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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 1 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAIDWEST PALM BCH FLPermit NO 4595Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below. The Abaconian Stuart Web Inc. 5675 SE Grouper Ave Stuart, FL 34997 Change Service RequestedVOLUME 22 NUMBER 03 February 1st, 2014 Logging resumes on Abaco under Lindar IndustriesBy Mirella Santillo Lindar Industries, which had been granted a logging concession to cut pine trees on Abaco, started logging in the pine forest North of Treasure Cay in October, 2013. The trees cut were located on an area reserved for commercial and residen tial development. Logging is to resume in Treasure Cay and later near Spring City. Abaco pine is a high end product with wood as hard as maple. Abaco was home to extensive logging operations by Owens-Illinois in the 1950s and 1960s. Owens-Illinois and the logging industry were responsible for the creation of the Great Abaco Highway and also the governments impetus to move the capitol of Abaco to Marsh Harbour from Hope Town. Whats Inside An illegal business openly advertises around town. Are the authorities concerned? A2en Residents concerned B4en A classy night for Abaco BASRA A16 en Is Value Added Tax the best option for this coun try? Coverage starts on B10 en Chamber hosts FACTA Tax speaker for dual citi zens A20 en Its hard to break deadlines when you dont set them any more. Is the Airport Open Yet? A22 en 2013 in review. B14 Whats Happeningen Jan 31: Coalition VAT Town Hall Feb 6-7: ECC Music Doing Good Concert Feb 15: Reef Ball (Hope Town)Feb 15: Man-O-War School Flea Market Feb 18-22: Hope Town Songwriters Festival Feb 19-23: Hope Town Sailing Club Golden Ju builee Celebrations Please see Logging Page 21 Tourists trade tarmac for beach BNT raises funds for Abacos parks with art show

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Page 2 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Central & All Abaco In recent weeks numerous signs have popped up throughout Marsh Harbour, tising a night club located in the Haitian Shanty Town known as the Mudd which has caused a stir among residents. The club advertises Ladies Night every Thursday and simply says they are located in Da Mudd. Residents have Shanty town night club legally licensed?long complained of the loud music that often comes from the area on weekends and are throwing their hands up at the recent advertisements. We are second-class citizens in this country, said an Abaconian who lives near the Mudd. The law doesnt apply to them (Haitian Immigrants); Bahamians cant get away with what they are doing in there. When we spoke to the Business License Department the Department Head license to operate a night club. However, a knowledgeable source indicated that they were sure that the business in question was not legally licensed. After speaking to the Island Adminis trator, Preston Cunningham, we were for warded to the Police Department to look into it. Mr. Cunningham said they had just had a Department Heads meeting and discussed enforcing such matters as businesses operating without license. Marsh Harbour Police Station we were as sured they would look into it. As of January 27 they were still investigating the matter. there are some businesses in the Mudd that have licenses which he concurred opened up another can of worms. Road work to resume after drill approvalsB Ongoing road works will commence this week as Bill Simmons Construction & Heavy Equipment Company Ltd. have received approvals to continue with the drill ing of drainage wells and re-paving works. Kino Simmons, General Manager of Simmons Construction said the he received a letter of approval in the middle of Janu ary and would receive the approval itself by January 24 allowing them to get back to work. negotiations with technocrats at the Min details and would mobilize January 27, initially doing surveying of the roads then paving. He said the approval includes three drainage wells to be drilled in the area of Rubis Gas Station and Abaco Hardware with subsequent completion of paving on Don MacKay and the repaving of Queen Elizabeth all the way to the Crossing. Mr. Simmons expects paving to reweather permitting, be completed quickly.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 3 DAMIANOS

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Page 4 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Coldwell Banker

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 5 MP Curry outlines governments role in environmental stewardship at Science Conference At the launch of the 6th Biennial Ab aco Science Alliance Conference on Jan. 17, Renardo Curry, MP for North Abaco of the Prime Minister, brought opening remarks as the keynote speaker in the absence of Minister of the Environment the Hon. Kenred Dorsett. Curry told audience members that en vironmental issues are of increasing importance to The Bahamas because of its rich marine environment, which is an important aspect of our cultural heritage and liveli hood. Our marine environment also gives life to one of the largest reef systems in the world. As a leader in the tourism sector, The Bahamas hosts millions of visitors annually many of whom come to enjoy our pristine, coastal environment, Curry boasted. Recognizing 50 years of envi ronmental stewardship is important because the biodiversity of The Bahamas has health and economic well-being of Baha mians. The Bahamas Government took early steps in recognizing environmental importance in 1958 with the establishment of the Central & All Abaco Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as the lead body for marine and land conservation in country. Over the years, there have been efforts to conserve the countrys biodiversity with the designation and management of national parks and marine protected areas. Curry indicated that another area of great interest was seen in the preservation and sustainable use of our pine forests on Abaco, Andros, Grand Bahama and New Providence. Giving a history of the harvesting of pine and its various uses, Curry cited the Small Grants Project, which was es tablished in 2009 as an essential source of funding for civic and community-based groups for environmental projects. and other NGOs have made Abaco a model island of how over the many years efforts to preserve the terrestrial and marine envi ronment have been successful and greater efforts will continue in the future, Curry praised. With the islands of The Bahamas spanning great distances, Curry empha sized that energy conservation is a huge part of our environmental mandate. Although our country has been marketed as sun, sand and sea to drive tourism, Curry added that the main engine for develop ment was shaped by exploitation and use of non-renewable fossil fuels and as result energy demands are great. In 2008, Cabinet approved the creation of the National Energy Policy Com mittee, which produced the National Energy Policy. He said that the government of the Department of Agriculture to focus on forestry development on Abaco, New Providence, Grand Bahama and Exuma. Curry again applauded the Govern ment for its long history of establishing policy and regulation to protect the natural environment. Nevertheless, he urged Ba hamian citizens to do their part by reduc ing, reusing and recycling. Quoting Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Curry reiterated that the No. 1 priority is to keep the resources God has given The Bahamas pristine. They are not just the heart of our No. 1 industry; they are the soul of our nation, he said. Before closing, Curry said that their support of local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and private citizens is of highest importance as he commended some work in the community since 1988. The government cannot protect and preserve our environment in isolation from the people who live in it, Curry ex pressed. The people of The Bahamas and certainly the people of Abaco must support governmental and non-governmental envi ronmental agencies to conserve, preserve and protect the environment. Dundas Town Local Government holds meeting of 2014By Samantha Evans On Tuesday evening, January 14, 2014, Dundas Town Local Government the meeting which began at 6:30pm at the Dundas Town Burial Society. He told them that the All Abaco Regatta is scheduled to take place later this year and he is excited that all activities will be held in Dun das Town. The All Abaco Regatta is a new, and separate, event from the annual Re gatta Time in Abaco. The All Abaco Regatta is being hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture. According to Mr. Newbold the Ministry has Please see Dundas Page 6

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Page 6 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Central & All Abaco promised to help them with the work left to be done at the Cultural Center at Ocean View Park. He stated that the major events of the All Abaco Regatta will be held at Ocean View Park. Stalls for food and native dishes will be rented to vendors. Once the cultural center is completed, he stated that stalls will be rented on a monthly basis. At Independence Park stalls will be set up for churches and religious groups. They will play gospel music at this site. Browns Bay will be the location for fami lies. He updated the committee on the removal of an abandoned building in Dundas Town. He reminded the committee that such dilapidated buildings bring down the value of the surrounding properties and do not look nice. The committee members decided to conclude the work on the sea wall at Ocean View Park. The sea wall had received heavy damage. Mr. Newbold stated that they will be looking for local contractors to volunteer their time to assist as well as tee complete this project. He stated that there was a delay in the installation of the playground at Browns Bay which was donated by BTC but he assures the community that it will still be installed. the BGCSE classes for recent graduates and high school students from the Dundas Town and Central Pines communi ties. They agreed to send letters out to the churches to inform them of the classes. Committee elections are to be held this June. Dundas From Page 5 In observance of the Ministry of Tourisms Golden Jubilee, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie has declared 2014 as The Year of Culture. A service was held on Abaco with Tourism and other the Baptist Anglican Church on Jan. 22 in recognition of Tourisms 50th Anniversary celebrations. Johnson, Rector of St. Johns. The order of service commenced with an opening hymn and recitation before Simmone Bowe, BahamaHost Satellite Golden Jubilee service celebrates Tourisms Year of Culture

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 7 Marble and Granite counter tops, showers and oors installed Made in Marsh Harbour Call 367-6867 or 367-4726 View installations on our web site:abacomarbleandgranite.com White Sound, Elbow CayFULL SERVICE MARINA WATERFRONT VILLAS For local transporation to Sea Spray call VHF 16 or 366-0065email : info@seasprayresort.com www.seasprayresort.comBahamian Breakfast Sat. & Sun.Enjoy a delicious dinner with usSea Spray will pick up from Hope Town Happy Hour Daily 5 pm 6 pm Open Year RoundCome lounge at The Helm, our indoor barBoat House Restaurant OFFERING SPECIAL MARINA RATES $500 a month for vessels 50 feet or more $300 a month for vessels under 50 feetSpecial effective from September 2013 to February 28, 2014 Housebreaking (Suspect Arrested and Charged)At 10:30am on 24th January, 2014, a 53 year old female of Guana Cay, Abaco, reported that sometime between 6:30pm and 9:30pm on 23rd January, 2014, a male known to her broke into her residence and stole cash. Police action requested. Suspect arrested time around 5:10pm the suspect a 35 year old male of Guana Cay, Abaco was arrested reference to this matter he was inter viewed and charged for the offence and is scheduled to attend court on 27/1/14. Attempted House BreakingOn Thursday, 23rd January, 2014 at about 5:38pm a 53 year old female of Murphy Town contacted the Marsh Harbour Police Station and reported that on same date some unknown person(s) attempted to enter her residence but was not successful, police action was requested in this matter. Investigations continue.Obstructing a On Sunday 26th January, 2014 at ed a male suspect, 26 years of age, from The Mudd, Abaco. He was arrested in ref execution of his duties. Investigations are ongoing in this matter. Trainer, wooed the audience with a memo rable rendition of You Are the Strength of My Life. Abaco Tourist Manager Wynsome Sales School, both assisted with the Scrip ture Readings. After the welcome and recognition by Rev. Johnson, Harrison Thompson, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, was invited to bring remarks. Thompson said this year marks a special time for us in The Bahamas as we endeavor to increase our economic power. Because Tourism is the main Minis try that has been mandated to promote the country, Thompson said that everyone is needed to help in that process because it affects all of us. Taking a walk down memory lane, Thompson recalled that tourism was more of a seasonal commodity with the season only lasting three months of the year. The product of tourism has radically changed since then. Thompson brought to mind airlines like Bahamas Airways and Mackey Air lines that serviced the Abaco community. As tourism expanded in the mid-1970s, he said that tourism in Abaco was on the upswing and second-home residents were becoming a mainstay. After visiting Korea last year, Thompson shared that it was through cul ture that Koreas tourism grew, and as this is Tourisms Year of Culture, he said that culture is a very important component, and is where tourism is headed. Culture is something Abaco knows about, and Abaco can sell itself, Thompson assured. Abaco has a high rate of Central & All Abaco returning tourists, which tells of their sat isfaction. Today, tourism accounts for more that 60 percent of the nations economy. With Sports Tourism and Religious Tourism growing in popularity, Cultural Tourism will become a part of the Min. of Tourisms promotion as they embark on Thompsons remarks were followed by those of Renardo Curry, Parliamentary Secretary and MP for North Abaco. He also gave a brief history of Abacos growth in tourism. Recognizing that other Carib bean islands were known for their sun, sand and sea, The Bahamas soon took into account that the nation is its people, music, festivals, food and traditions. The island is on the verge of acquir ing city status if not already, Curry said. I commend the wonderful hard-working staff of the Ministry of Tourisms Abaco sure that the island remains one of the lead ers in tourist destinations. Rev. Johnson again faced the audience to give her sermon based on the He brews 6:1-12 Scripture Reading given by Marlique. She said that the service gave an we have come from and where we are to day. is indeed important for us as a people to recognize from whence we came [and] to recognize on whose shoulders we stand, Rev. Johnson explained. But in truth and in fact, we as a country and as a nation have come to appreciate the fact that ser vice is a part of our main business, and this truth is a part of our calling our calling as human beings for Jesus Himself said to us that we ought to be servants of the servants of God. Rev. Johnson went on question what we are doing to pass on our knowledge to others because markets are opening in in ternational arenas, and we must be com petitive in the long term. As we move on to perfection, she admonished that we must be good stewards of what we have. She recalled how people used to dress and carry themselves with dignity and respect how there was distinction and pride in their work. Mediocrity, Rev. Johnson warned, is the downfall of a nation, and will not al low us to grow or remain a reckoning force on the world stages. She strongly recom mended that we deliberately plan and prepare for our future, and look at the reality of who we are as a people. As we celebrate, we must be a peo -Crime ReportAbove: Please see Tourism Page 14

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Page 8 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 From the Editor's Desk // Mythical Creatures The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The BahamasLogo Photo Credit: Tuppy Weatherford Reporters/Freelance Contributors: Canishka Alexander, Samantha Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Timothy Roberts, Mirella Santillo, Lee Pinderen Phone 242-367-3200 FAX 242-367-3677 AbaconianNews@gmail.com Subscribe NOW Order form on Abacos most complete newspaper.2022 Aero Circle New Smyrna Beach FL. 321688,000 copies Published twice monthlyFree at over 100 Abaco locations from Grand Cay to Moores Is. Subscription rates: $20.00 Abaco $25 other Bahamas (One Year) $45.00 USA $65 Canada airmail $95.00 UK, Europe & Caribbean surface Order The Abaconian TodayJUNE 2012Name Address Address City St. Postal code + Country E-mail or Tel # 24 issues US$ or B$ Above subscription is a gift from: $45 USA via 3 rd Class $25 Bahamas via surface $20 to Abaco US$65 Canada via Airmail US$95 UK, Europe Surface Mail to: 2022 Aero Circle, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168 or: P.O. Box AB 20213, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas If you want to renew this gift next year, please give us your address below Why subscribe?The Abaconian will keep you informed on issues such as: NAME ON CARD: CARD NUMBER: EXP DATE: SIGNATURE: AMOUNT PAID: Master Card VisaWE NOW ACCEPT MASTER CARD/VISACommunity Calendar(See TheAbaconian.com for More Calendar Events) en en en Marketen The Bahamas is a nation of storytellers. Stories are part of our culture. They are part of our heritage. Every island has local tales. Every family shares vaguely recollected histories. A favourite among Bahamians are stories of mythical creatures. The fear some lusca that hides deep in the blue holes. The yahoes: spirits of dread pi rates trapped in birdlike bodies stalking Lubbers Quarters. The mischievous chickcharnies of Andros. And with each passing month it appears we get closer to adding anoth er legend to our mythical bestiary. The new Marsh Harbour Terminal might as well be a fairy tale for as much good as it is doing us. And the government seems to be treating it like a fairy tale too. It has become a bedtime story to repeat to cranky Abaconians who just wont settle down. The previous government built the new terminal like a fairy tale cas tle, complete with unrealistic designs and childlike foresight. The current government turned it into a dungeon of broken promises and maybe-nextmonths. We are the ones stuck in the middle and suffering listening to a bad story. But the government has other stories to tell us too. The story now is how good VAT will be for the country. The story is that they are trying to reach middle ground with the business community and Bahamian people. The story is that we are sheep and they are shepherds; no need to listen to us because they know best. The reality is that if this tax starts in the ridiculous stated time frame we have been told then, no, it will not be good for this country. The current plan is to release the new duty and tariff schedule only three months ahead of time? That is absurd. You need to get concerned at this. The reality is that the Coalition for Responsible Taxation, a national think tank, has put forth multiple alternatives to the government. They explain on be half of Bahamians that VAT is folly. Thanks, but no thanks, theyre told as the government steams ahead towards VAT. And yet Minister Halkitis comes to us and says, There is no use the government trying to impose some thing that the people will reject or be hostile to. It is safe to say that the ma jority of the country is hostile to this. You need to get vocal about this. The reality is that the government works for us. Their positions do de serve respect, however, not at the cost of curtailing discussion and blind obe dience. We are not parrots shaped to repeat the dogma of politics. We are Bahamians and the shapers of our own future. I have heard so many people say Why bother? when confronted with trying to make a difference. The government is not some invincible mythical creature that is only vulnera to listen. You need to make them listen. If those in charge want to act like a government then we will see conces sions made and dialogue truly opened. If they want to act like politicians then we treat them like politicians. This country is culture is full of storytellers. I just wish our government wasnt one of them.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 9 Coalition for Responsible Taxation ABACO CHAMBER OF COMMERCEand thePresentVAT and The Bahamas Are There Alternatives? At Grace Gym at Agape Christian SchoolFREE TO ATTENDBe Informed of What VAT Means to Businesses and to All of Us Whats Happening in Green Turtle is a DisasterDear Editor: As a tourist who has been coming to these islands for 7 years now, I am very upset about what has happened to my favorite beach on Green Turtle Cay. The access has been completely blocked by a bulkhead designed to in crease the land in front of a small de velopment of private houses out beyond the original beach. You cannot get to the beach and, if you could, there is no place to walk even at low tide. Sand has been taken from the bay channel which will have effects on the land to leeward. I was told by a super visor of the dredging that they will be creating a sand dune and a new beach beyond the bulkhead. That will prob ably last until the next storm. In addi tion, the way they are doing this will create a back eddy which will com pletely take out those few houses just south of the new beach. This small development also built a breakwater a few years ago which helped them for a while at the expense of their neighbors and then they were forced to dismantle it because of the damage it had done to the rest of the Honesty & Integrity at ChristmasDear Editor: I would like to describe for you a chain of events that has reinvigorated my faith in humanity. My wife and I have been second home-owners on Great Guana Cay since 2004. We greatly enjoy interacting with local residents, and we feel welcomed by what we refer to as our "Bahamian family" on each of our visits. I lost my wallet after a trip to the Abacos in early March of 2013. There was $500 in cash in the wallet, along with cred it cards, driver's license, and, thankfully, a membership card for Sea Tow of Tampa Bay. I thought the wallet was long gone, along with all of its contents. Since that trip in early March, we also traveled to our second home in September, November, Letters to the Editor beach. I have always thought that public access to all beaches on the islands was one of the best things the Bahamian Government has done. To allow this actions of a few would be a disaster. Could you please look into this further?and December. On Christmas Eve 2013, I received a call on my cell phone from Sea Tow of Tampa Bay. Sea Tow stated that they had received a phone call from Darin who informed Sea Tow that my wallet had been found. I was incredulous. I then promptly called Darin at Al of their ferry boats was in for its annual servicing and maintenance, when one of wallet. The wallet was completely intact with all of its contents (including the $500 in cash). I was told that the employee, who found and turned in the wallet, was a gentleman by the name of Lucas. As an expression of our gratitude, we asked Darin to give the $500 to Lucas as our sincere thanks and best wishes. We later learned that Lucas is a newlywed, so we are hopeful that he and his family had a very Merry Christmas. I bring this story to you in order to express our heartfelt thank you to both Luhonesty and integrity. We are proud to call the Abacos our second home. God Bless to all and Happy New Year! Truly yours, BRIAN M. BURSA Airfare Keeping You DownTo Timothy, Abaconian Reporter: Your report on the surcharges for air travelers was very level headed. I only wish the Bahamian government was so alert and level headed. Europe over the Bahamas and on to the hamas. down then the Bahamas will lose out on thousands of travelers. People want a holiday in the Bahamas last year for only I could stay all inclusive for 10 nights in many other Caribbean desti nation. Europe is a massive area that the Bahamas has lost out on. Only six years Nassau now you are down to one and it is very expensive! Kind regards Mr Watt.

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Page 10 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Art for the Parks supports Abacos natural history This year's Art for the Parks marked between the Abaco Beach Resort and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in support of the national parks of Abaco. The event began on January 25 with a gala cocktail reception providing art lovers with the op portunity to preview all of the work and meet with the artists and artisans in a social atmosphere. During the brief opening ceremony, Lynn Gape, Deputy Director of the BNT, thanked the community of Abaco and the Abaco Beach Resort for their tremendous support. She also made special mention of various core artists and the committee who had worked extra hard to make Art for the Park's a truly wonderful event. Eric Carey, Executive Director of the BNT, also added his thanks describing the Art for the Parks as a signature event on Abaco. "This event makes it possible for us to do the things we need to do in the six national parks of Abaco, namely environmental education, managing the resources and providing opportunities for visitor access." An Abaco parrot, crafted in bronze by Pete Johnson in his foundry at Little Harbour, mounted on a piece of drift wood, was presented to Andrew Sweet ing of the Abaco Beach Resort in recog Sweeting thanked everybody for attending and thanked Lynn Gape for the work she does in organising the event each year. He closed by saying that he is looking forward More than 30 artists and artisans from The show was very well organised and the booths carefully placed so that even though there was quite a large crowd of patrons it was easy to move around and view all of the artists work. People were very im pressed with the excellent standard of work exhibited. The booths were especially at tractive this year due to the inception of a best booth competition. The winner of this accolade was Da vid Lowe with his display of tile art. His signature piece this year was a very large underwater scene comprising a variety of natural materials including sea sponges, sea fans, sea urchins corals and shells on an oil painted background interspersed, of course, with some of his signature tile pieces. It would be nice to be able to comment on all of the artists and artisans but since time and space do not allow I will who were sharing a booth were both mak ing their debut performance at the Abaco show. While Christina had shown her beaded jewellery at previous shows in the presenting her custom conch shell jewelry under the name Conch Diamonds. It was refreshing to come upon something so new which results in her stunning conch shell pieces thus; I collect my shells from the throw away piles of the conch vendors and take them home to clean out all the conch slop which is a very messy job. I then throw them overboard from the dock at the ish cleaning them out. Once clean, I use four saws to cut the shapes I want from the shells and a cabochon machine to grind and polish and give them a beautiful sheen." Karen plans to add another line of jewelry which will be crafted from coral which has been covered with rust off shoreline in certain remote areas. These pieces of coral polished to a high sheen are truly pieces of rare beauty. Karen's interest in rocks began as a rock collecting hobby as a young child. Amazing hilltop lots with fantastic sea views. ese lots are the best priced lots in the subdivision, and boast the best views. Bakers Creek is located roughly 8 miles north of Marsh Harbour and also from Treasure Cay. e subdivision features underground utilities to all lots and access for all homeowners to the beach where picnic tables are available. Each lot is 11,300 sq. (.26 acres) BSD $39,900 Property For Sale BAKERS CREEK BEACH LOT 10 BAKERS CREEK Bakers Creek Lots 9 & 10 Central & All Abaco Please see BNT Page 11 Bakers Creek Lots 10 & 11

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 11 Abaco Hardware Brianna Higgs has been experiment ing with beaded jewelry for some time but a year or so ago she decided to turn her hand to making sea glass jewelry which she admits has now become a passion. She has also ventured into combining shells and sea fans along with the sea glass and time at the Art for the Parks. Stephanie Treco and her daughter, Lisa Higgs, made their debut appearance with their line of Stephie Jewelry. Their pieces all include different types of beads such as dyed jade, tiger eye, magnacite, black pearls and some shells all hand-cro cheted together with 22 gauge different co loured wires. Stephanie also had on display a selection of her colourful resort wear. comer to the Abaco art scene, displayed some very unique pieces which she crafts using beautiful decorative paper napkins them apart and removes the motifs she de sires then applies them to boards which she has already painted in muted colours. The She says that she just takes any piece of board and lets the notches and imperfec tions speak to her as to how she will paint that particular piece which makes for inter esting results. She also had on display her line of attractive, stenciled aprons. David Rees is now following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, the wellknown photographer Colyn Rees, and was participating in the Art for the Parks for well-known for his black and white scenic and aerial photography, David is special izing in colour photography of wildlife and underwater scenes. He also takes aerial shots but whereas his grandfather would next generation and uses a drone to get his shots. I also mention Nicole Angelica for al though she is certainly no newcomer to the Abaco art scene, since she has exhibited at every show except last year when she was sick, she had introduced something new this year. She is well known for her ex quisitely detailed paintings of the old time Central & All Abaco BNT From Page 10 Please see BNT Page 14

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Page 12 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Damianos

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 13 Damianos

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Page 14 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Standard Hardware STANDARD HARDWARELumber & Plumbing Supplies email: standardhardware@netbusiness.com We boast a fully stocked lumber yard complete with pine, cypress, fir, molding, windows, roofing supplies, plywood and much more. Visit us today and let our friendly and professional staff assist you! Bahamas for she says; "My heart is in the old nostalgic times. I like to be true to The Bahamas and bring people back to times long ago. I like to bring them back to the alley and the bush and paint kids especially with bare feet. Abaco likes children." This year, instead of focusing solely on the old time scenes Nicole was display ing some unusual monochrome oil paint ings which appeared almost as black and white photographs. "People have shown a lot of interest in these monochrome pic tures," she stated. Central & All Abaco BNT From Page 11 Kim Roberts is also a well-known artisan who regularly shows her Bahama Dawn line of products which include quilt ing, ceramics and jewellery but this year she added a new dimension by giving demonstrations of how she makes her glass beads. The Bahamas National Trusts booth at the entrance to the show carried an in teresting assortment of literature on the na tional parks and all types of wildlife while also showing environmental videos and encouraging people to sign up as members of the trust. Brian Kakuk of the Bahamas Caves Research foundation also showed very interesting videos of the underwater world of Abaco. Complimentary Yellow Glen Pink Champagne was donated by Bristol Cellars. Art for the Parks extended throughout the weekend with more art showings, cultural talks, entertainment and many more events. ple who are looking forward, a people who are moving on to perfection, Rev. Johnson concluded. Don Cornish, director of Product for the Ministry of Tourism, closed out the service with The Intercessions on behalf of the church, the nation and the world. treated to a complimentary lunch at Man goes Restaurant. Abaco suspect charged with two counts of homicide Police in Abaco on Sunday, Janu ary 26, 2014, charged Pedro Dean, alias Stitchie, of Murphy Town, Abaco with two counts of Murder. This is in connection with the two homicides that occurred on Saturday Jan 18, 2014 in Abaco. as: 1. Landris Lacaro Curry age 32 years of Dundas Town, Abaco Dundas Town, Abaco Pedro Dean alias Stitchie will be arraigned at the Magistrate Court in New Providence on Monday, January 27, 2014. Police in Abaco are continuing the investigation into this matter and would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in this investigation.Tourism From Page 7

Page 16 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 The Cays Evening of Elegance raises funds for BASRAThe Abaco branch of the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) held their annual Evening of Elegance fundrais ing dinner and auction on January 25 at the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay. BASRA is a volunteer organization that is committed to providing emergency services and saving the lives of distressed boaters and airmen in The Bahamas. In 2013 the Abaco branch of BASRA was awarded the prestigious Association for Rescue at Sea Caribbean Search and Rescue. In November 2011 the local chap ter of BASRA responded in severe weather conditions on the Sea of Abaco and saved 61 lives. The Evening of Elegance was sponsored by Burns House Ltd and by Veuve Cliquot & Hennessey. The fundraising din ner was $125 per plate. Also raising funds for BASRA was a silent auction that ran from Jan 20 until that evening. Included among the many items on the auction block were: a seat on the Abaco Rage, a one week stay at Lubbers Quar ters, and Albury Sail Shop bag, artwork by Guy Harvey, spa treatment and lunch for two at Bakers Bay, a half day excursion with Captain Plug, a unique Hope Town Canvas bag, a week stay in Ireland, handpainted bicycles by Kim Rody, and many more. One of the most hotly contested bid items was a large, hardback 007 James Bond Archive book. It was signed by James Bond himself Sean Connery and dated January 2014. Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champagne was served to the well-dressed crowd. The auction was presided over by the energetic Tania Duncombe. Throughout the evening she encouraged everyone to open their wallets and support BASRA, as well as get a chance to win the many great down, many happily responded. The Abaco Inn served an indulgent meal for those in attendance: Portabello Mushroom & Brie Soup, Belgian Endive with lobster and barnaise sauce) and a dessert of Pavlova. Manager Tom Hazel was on hand to ensure everyone was hav ing a good time. BASRA celebrated 50 years of Vol unteers Saving Lives at Sea this year.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 17 OCEAN BLUE PROPERTIES Member B.R.E.A. G.P.O. Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Bahamas Sales, Rentals and Property Management ON GREEN TURTLE CAY: UNDER CONTRACT!!! Hilltop commercial lot on entry road to settlement of New Plymouth.. Great Opportunity! Twin Palms oers two immaculate attached furnished waterfront townhouses on the Sea of Abaco. Each side mirrors the other with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. A/C throughout. Internet and satellite. 2 Kayaks. Mini putts. Newly built 60 dock accommodates 42 boat. .537 acres. Asking Price $1.65m.. JUST REDUCED!!! 9,600 sq.ft. lot just steps to the Atlantic Ocean Beach. Quiet residential area. B $55,000.00. UNDER CONTRACT!!! 85 x 120 lot with start-up foundation. Less then 300 steps to the Atlantic Ocean Beach. 20,000 sq.ft. parcel 125 from Long Bay Beach. Water view possible. Water and power accessible. B $195,000.00. Chic furnished artists home with two master bedroom suites plus 1/2 bath. Water view of White Sound. Within walking distance to a public dock with ramp. A/C throughout. Artist studio with north light exposure. Garage, workshop, golf cart. $495,000.00. PRICE REDUCTION!!! The Pink Pearl Completely re-furbished 115 year old historic wood building centrally located in the heart of New Plymouth. Commercial/or residential use. Excellent tenant in place .Short walk to Settlement Creek and ferry service. Parking area. B$169,900.00. The Golden Reef Large two story commercial building in the heart of historic New Plymouth. Shop/oce space on ground oor. Two furnished two bedroom one bath apartments on second oor with good rental history and sea views. Parking space. $550,000.00.Two elevated waterfront parcels on the Blu overlooking the Sea of Abaco. Stunning sunsets. Approximately 1/4 acre each with 85 each on the water. Naturally deep water for a dock. Priced to sell TOGETHER for a total of $ 395,000 + 7 1/2% to close BABY CRIBS $250 00 & $285 00 WOODEN TODDLER BEDS $175 .00 Ron-Paul Cabinets PlusOwners: Ronnie & Pauline Roberts Phone: (242) 367-0546Visit our Showroom Located Opposite the old Lowes Pharmacy ALL LAMINATE FLOORING $2 50 sq.ft. PADDING $0.55 sq.ft. ** 10% OFF ALL MATTRESS & BOX SPRINGS **Commercial Carpet..$11.00sq.yd. Carpet Padding........$6.00 sq.yd. All Boys & GirlsBicycles 18 & 20 $155 .00 METAL TWIN OVER TWIN BUNK BED $430 00 METAL TWIN OVER FULL BUNK BED $485 .00 6 DRAW DOUBLE DRESSER $300 .00 4 DRAW CHEST $250 .00 5 DRAW CHEST $275 .00 ROLLAWAY BEDS $260 .00 Central & All Abaco By Mirella Santillo In August of 2013, SEV Consulting Group led by Stacey Moultrie was con tracted by the Government of The Baha mas, through the BEST Commission and the Ministry of Environment and Housing to conduct an inventory on POPS (Persis tent Organic Pollutants). The main objec tive of the project is for The Bahamas to Convention. Team surveying Abaco for compliance with the Stockholm ConventionThe project is to be conducted in hama, Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera and New Providence with SEV surveying Andros, Abaco and Eleuthera and the Department of Environmental Health Services along with the Pan-American Health Organiza tion taking care of New Providence and Grand Bahama. such as DTT, Aldrin, Chlordane, Dieldrin, Hexachlorobenzene and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) among others and her bicides as well as by-products of chemical industries, is to be taken. Secondly, all the chemicals found are to be put in a database, in order for the Government to track what is coming into the country and whether it is being prop erly disposed of. Thirdly, an implementation plan is to be developed. Under the Stockholm Convention agreement, the Government of The Bahamas made the commitment to phase out certain chemicals and to reduce others as be recommended by SEV. POPs are organic substances that once released into the environment remain intact for an exceptionally long period of time. They become widely distributed and bio-accumulate in fatty tissue of living or ganisms, including humans. They are toxic to humans and wildlife. The project objectives are to prepare the ground for implementation of the Con vention requirements; to satisfy its report Convention and to strengthen the national capacity to manage POPS and chemicals in general. A survey to determine which chemi cals are entering the country is being pres ently undertaken. So far Mrs. Moultrie and her group have visited farmers and hardware stores on N. Andros, and on the main island of Abaco, asking farmers what chemicals they use, discussing with hard ware stores what their inventory of chemi cals is and visiting the dumps to see what is being discarded. She also wants to interview key per sonnel of the major shipping companies to get an idea of what is coming into the country. Once the survey is completed, the products found will be studied and ana hazardous chemicals mentioned on a list of The implementation plan will outline which chemicals should be either eliminat ed or their unintentional release reduced. The Department of Environmental Health Services and the Pan-American Health Organization are taking a strategic approach and adopting a global plan of ac tion to achieve the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, so that by 2020 chemicals are used and pro duced in ways that lead to the minimiza health and the environment. Locally, the National Implementation Plan (NIP) will consist of assessing the institutional capacity needs of establish ing the economic and social implications of POPs; of achieving an assessment of laboratory, research and development ca pacity; of identifying the socioeconomic, public health and environmental issues; of putting forward action plans for priority POPs and of implementing targets, timeframes, implementation costs and indica tors of success. The SEV team is comprised of a chemist, Stefan Moss, a database special ist, Nekia Brice and with Stacey Moultrie as the team coordinator. The project coordinator for the BEST Commission is Gam mell Deal.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 19 AES

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Page 20 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Fredericks Agency Ltd.Customs Brokers Central Abaco Town Planning 27 Jan 2014 All six members were present to review eight plans totaling $1,373,600 of construction value. Seven were routine last one was for improvements and expansion to the Murphy Town block plant total ing $1.2 million. Extensive discussions took place on the unchecked construction in the Mud and Pigeon Peas settlements along with the many unlicensed businesses operating there. In order for a business license to be considered proof of ownership or a lease by the property owner must be provided. The Mudd is all government land whereas Pigeon Peas is a land-grant dating into the mid-1800s and ownership or ownership issues, complying with the building code, sanitation and public health A further bar to obtaining a business li cense relates to citizenship as foreigners are not allowed to compete with Bahamians for most common businesses. Members of this Town Planning Board were concerned that Nassau does Ministry of Works department to carry out their mandated inspections and subsequent destruction of illegal construction in these communities. Central & All Abaco Chamber hosts CPA to speak to Abaconian dual citizens on FACTA complianceOn Jan 17 the Abaco Chamber of Public Accountant to discuss the new citizens (Bahamian/U.S.A) living in Aba co. The CPA, Scott Williams, is a longtime visitor to Abaco. Over 120 people came to the meeting, which was held at the Anglican Hall. Dual citizens living in The Bahamas are still considered by the US to be US citi zens. The USA tax code requires citizens to report their worldwide income from all sources. There are three forms Dual Citi zens should be concerned about: Individual Mr. Williams explained the differUS Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and having to pay United States taxes on that income. Worldwide income exceeding for citizens living in the US, but for US citizens living abroad the deadline is not until June 15. Even then an extension can be requested until October. While income over $10K must be de clared it may not be necessary to pay taxes to the US govt on that income. Income. Meaning if you are a dual citizen living and working in The Bahamas, your Earned Income up until $97,600 is exempt from taxes. However there are wrinkles Income including certain rental income, investments and other income. An expert should be consulted if this applies. Mr. Williams told the crowd that aimed at Bahamians. Instead this is a blan ket that covers all US citizens and they are expected to comply. fairly new laws and are the reason educa reporting laws and generally no taxes are due. a dual citizen has more than $10,000 in any non-US bank at any given time through out the year. Being a signature on an ac as well. Again, taxes are not generally due, government to keep an eye US citizens money to prevent laundering and terrorism. Please see FACTA Page 22

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 21 A two bedroom one bath vacation home on Green Turtle Cay. Oered fully furnished and turn-key condition. The home is perched on an elevated lot providing pleasant breezes from the nearby Ocean. There is a shared dock at Coco Bay and the Ocean beach is just steps away. Listed at $179,000.00 Best priced home in Abaco! Coconuts Chris Farrington: 242-577-1951 info@greenturtlerealestate.com North Abaco Owens-Illinois produced pulpwood. Lindar Industries harvests and markets from Abaco pine. The cut trees are hauled to the Marsh Harbour area where they are processed to crown molding intended for Nassau. A state of the art computerized sawmill slices Another machine produces the crown moldings and quarter-round moldings made of scrap pieces. The wood is planed by another so phisticated machine and further processed into tongue and groove boards with a width Logging From Page 1 starting at two and a half feet up to ten feet. is dehydrated through a combination of air conditioning and heat. AC units and kilns are used for this process. the lowest quality sections going for $3.00 per square foot. Owner of Lindar Industries, Robert Roman, came to Abaco on January 16 for one of his regular visits to the island. Although based in Nassau, he supervises the manager, Jeff Bonnet. Mr. Bonnet oversees the daily operations and the proper maintenance of the equipment. Meeting with Mr. Roman on the site, this reporter saw the crew busy feed The Hope Town Sailing Club Welcomes Everyone to Join Us for Our 50th AnniversaryGOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION February 19 23, 2014Wednesday, February 19th FOUNDERS CUP RACE 11:00 am START..... Open to ALL Cruising Class Sailboats 9:00 am..... Captains Meeting to Register 4:30 pm..... STAND UP for All Participants at the Hope Town Sailing Club Thursday, February 20th 9:00 am 2:00 pm..... STUDENTS OPEN HOUSE Classes from Local Schools have been invited to Tour the Hope Town Sailing Club Junior Sailing Club Opti Boat Display and Information 3:00 pm 5:00 pm...... REMINISCING 50 YEARS at the Hope Town Sailing Club Open to the Public History Highlights, Humor and Nostalgia with Founders, Past Commodores and Guest Speakers Friday, February 21st Hope Town Sailing Club Member FLEET REVIEW 9:45 10:30 am..... Boats will Parade in the Harbour 10:00 am..... Judges and Viewers will gather 11:00 am...... FLEET REVIEW Begins Boats will Pass Judges in Review 5:30 pm..... Awards STAND UP for All Fleet Review Participants at the Hope Town Sailing Club Saturday, February 22nd HOPE TOWN SAILING CLUB OPEN HOUSE *Open to the Public* 10:00 am 3:00 pm..... Videos of Races, Display of Trophies Golden Jubilee Items will be displayed and for Sale JUNIOR SAILING CLUB Exhibits Opti Boat Display with Wish List & Fundraising 11:00 am 12:00 pm..... HTSC History Book Signing by Kitty Donnan Saturday, February 22nd GOLDEN JUBILEE COCKTAIL PARTY at the HUMMINGBIRD ART GALLERY 6:00 pm 10pm *Open to the Public* Tickets: $25.00 per person includes Commemorative glass & rst drink Tickets available at HTSC, HG Christie and Abaco Inn Food, Drink and Music Catered by Abaco Inn and Member Donations REMARKS and POEMS MULTIMEDIA DISPLAYS Jubilee Silent Auction Sunday, February 23rd 1:00 pm START..... BAVERSTOCK TROPHY REGATTA For Abaco Dinghies, Sunsh and Optis INFORMAL AWARDS GATHERING After the races for Participants at the Hope Town Sailing ClubCOME CELEBRATE WITH US THE WEEK OF Febraury 19th through the 23rd, 2014 Please see Logging Page 22

February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 1 VOLUME 22 NUMBER 03 February 1st 2014 Min. Halkitis speaks to Abaco on VAT Tax Patricia Curry places in Top 20 at Miss Tourism International Pageant By Canishka Alexander Patricia Currys road to fame began in December 2012 when she became the 2012 Miss Abaco winner before going on to capture the Miss Bahamas Tourism title. Since she was 12 years old, the former track athlete and Abaco beauty queen has been modeling at various events on the island. I love being in front of a crowd; it gives me adrenalin, she expressed. Growing up, I was always told I had the stature of a model. Once I started model ing, I grew to love it. Recently, Patricias love for modeling led her to embark upon a three week-long journey to Malaysia where she competed in the Miss Tourism International Pageant and placed in the Top 20. December 31, 2013, I placed in the Top 20. It was a surprise to me as I knew I did well in the judges interview, but the favourites were obvious. Although elated by her accomplish ment, Patricias time in Malaysia was one with disappointments and challenging mo ments. Please see Paqeant Page 2 Above: Patricia Curry greeted by her family back in Marsh Harbour. Above: Minister Halkitis speaks to a crowd in Abaco about the Value Added Tax. See what he had to say as well as the Coalition for Responsible Taxations rebuttal starting on page 10.

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Page 2 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Lifestyles While it was a trip of a lifetime, and I am grateful of the opportunity afforded to me, representing my great country a smooth ride, she explained. Patricia shared that she was given three different departure dates from the Miss Abaco Pageant Committee, and on the day of her departure on Dec. 10, there was no ticket in the system for her. After speaking to President Mr. TJay Stubbs, he continued to give me hope that my ticket would be purchased. After the numerous calls of hope, a close friend of mine called Mr. Stubbs and asked that he meet with them at the travel agency, and my friend agreed to cover the majority of the cost for my travel. The only portion of my ticket that was purchased by the Committee at this time was from Marsh Harbour to Miami. With time not on my side, I left Abaco two days behind schedule on December 10 without a ticket from Miami to Malaysia, as the travel agency had to just make the booking for the remainder of my trip. During check-in at the Marsh Harbour Airport, Patricia received her evening gown and national costume sans the head piece minutes before her departure. When she arrived in Miami, she conabsorbed most of the cost for. At this point, I was in tears; torn and disappointed, contemplating whether I should continue on to Malaysia or return home, Patricia lamented. After encouraging words from my family, I decided to go on with my trip to Malaysia. It took me two days December 10 to 12 to arrive in Malaysia however, once I got there, I put all of my frustrations aside and went straight into competition mode. Upon arrival at Hotel Marriott Pu trajaya on Dec. 12, Patricia was ushered straight into hair and make-up in prepara tion for a press conference. There was no turning back at this point, so Patricia was determined to give her all. Patricias schedule was quite de manding with her days beginning at 6 a.m. and ending at midnight. Malaysia is 13 hours ahead of Baha mian time, which was a huge adjustment for me. The preparation for my trip was not properly coordinated, so I was made aware of items such as a portfolio and ad ditional evening gowns that I should have, which I was advised that Mr. Stubbs should have shared with me prior to my travel. This was another distraction for me as I was caught totally off guard; however, with the good Lord on my side and my roommate from Guatemala, she had extras of everything and was kind enough to share with me. Patricia said that interacting with con testants from 59 other countries and build ing lasting friendships with women like Wonda from Guatemala, Michelle from the Dominican Republic and Lebo from Swaziland, is something she will always remember. As a result, the 25-year-old beauty plans to travel around the world visiting friends she bonded with. While visiting Malaysia, Patricia learned that it is similar to The Bahamas in terms of natural beauty and great weather, but Malaysia is far more advanced in its architecture. While there was no platform for con testants to speak on, Patricia said that the main objective of the Miss Tourism Inter national Pageant is to promote Malaysia. She was also given the opportunity to promote The Bahamas as a gem of the Carib bean when the opportunity was available. She noted that the long hours of prep run. Throughout the competition and prejudging segment, Patricia recalled feeling relaxed and feeling as though she was talk felt natural and she enjoyed every moment being on the stage. On Jan. 5, Patricia was welcomed home by her family who surprised her with one from the Miss Abaco Pageant Commit tee met her at the airport or telephoned her during her travels back home. Although disappointed, Patricia wel comed the love and support of her family. Special thanks was extended to all who supported her in her journey to Ma laysia particularly Terry Frank for his gen erous monetary donations; Cina Ingraham, owner of Boy Meets Girl; Keli Albury of of Keras Fashion for her wardrobe; Ber Donna Ferguson, family and friends. My trip to Malaysia had its up and downs, but I thank God for the opportunity to represent my country, and I was able to leave a mark internationally, Patricia I am now a pageant girl, and this will not be the last of me in pageants. Patricia plans to enter The Miss Bahamas World Pageant later this year, and if successful, she will represent The Bahamas once again on the international stage. on a note of encouragement: Dream big, stay focused and believe in yourself. In life there will be stumbling blocks in your way, but you must persevere, stay focused and reach for your goals. Persons will doubt you, but use the doubt as your fuel and soar. Young girls Lord, and through Him all things are pos sible.Pageant From Page 1 Above: Patricia Curry on stage in Malaysia as Miss Tourism Bahamas.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 3 HG Christie

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Page 4 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Abaco Marine Props Propellers Reconditioned & RehubbedPhone 367-4276 Fax 367-4259 across the street from Abaco Outboards in Marsh Harbour Brass Stainless AluminumSandblasting & Marine grade welding on Stainless and AluminumCertied Propeller Repair TechnicianThe ONLY NNPA Techncian in The Bahamas ABACO FREIGHTCOURIER SERVICESOcean Air 6671 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 50-453 Jupiter, Florida 33458 Walk-in and special handling nick@abacofreight.com Nick Mazzeo Groceries All you need & more! Fruit & Vegetables Canned Goods Dairy Products Frozen FoodsPhone or Fax : 366-2022Mon. Fri. 7:30am 6pm Sat 7:30am-7pmThe Place to be is Cherokee!Cherokee Food Fair CURRYS FOOD STORE Customer docking Homemade bread Complete line of groceries Frozen foods, fresh fruits & vegetables Block & crushed iceGreen Turtle Cay Ph. 242-365-4171 Fax 365-4072Located on the harbour front Sids Food StoreGroceries Toiletries SouvenirsServing New plymouth and the entire Green Turtle Cay Area Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Frozen Meat Dry and Canned Goods Homemade BreadsWIDE SELECTION FAST EFFICIENT SERVICE Located Near Town Dock, New Plymouth, Green Turtle CayTel: (242) 365-4055 In an attempt to preserve Marsh Har bours history, one native son has taken to the internet as an effective resource to chronicle the past. The Marsh Harbour Online Museum, brainchild of Robert Key, aims to host photos and stories from gen erations both long past and those fading. Currently the Marsh Harbour Online Museum only maintains a Facebook page. However, plans are in place for a perma nent website to categorize and better share the history of Marsh Harbour. Photos chronicling the opening of the Marsh Harbour Airport, old maps, and the forefathers of many families can be found. The idea is to ask the public to submit and share their history. Photos and old stories are to be preserved for generations to re Robert Key said, Marsh Harbor is laden with a rich and colorful history. I feel as a young and proud Bahamian that we must record and preserve our unique heritage. I hope, in this small way, we can foster awareness in our fellow Bahamians, our children and visitors alike as to where we came from as well as to chart a course for a prosperous future. Search on Facebook for Marsh Harbour Online Museum and add to Abacos history. Lifestyles Marsh Harbour Online Museum aims to preserve history with your helpAbove: the original building which housed Taylor Electric. Today it is the site of AID. Photo courtesy of Perry Lisa Sawyer. speculated to be increasing in Bahamian watersBy Timothy Roberts On a recent beach-combing trip Ministry of the Environment Warden Keith Bishop found a large amount of buoys, on beaches in Southern Abaco from long Mr. Bishop, a coastal engineer, said this is nothing new. Awareness of this issue goes back to the early 90s when there was a big campaign launched by ReEarth and hundreds of people sat outside parlia ment with Dont Mess With Our Fish t-shirts on. Eventually the Prime Minis ter came out and Long Line Fishing was banned. He said there has always been long line paraphernalia washing up on coastal raise because of the amount found in recent times. He said while it is uncertain why there has been an increase one of the reais an increase in long line activity in Baha mian waters. We are often told that they come in at night and deploy their lines sometimes as much as 12 miles of line and take their boat out to international waters returning later to collect their lines and catch, he said. He said it is unknown where the long line boats come from but it is speculated that they may be of Dominican origin or possibly from another Caribbean country. sidered among the most damaging. While the miles long line captures schools of and dolphin (mahi-mahi) it also captures no marketable and endangered sea life like turtles and porpoises among other which are often killed in the process and waste fully discarded. depletes marine resources causing further damage to not just marine environments Mr. Bishop said this has to be a con cern for us. The marine environment sup What is the answer for us? We know the Royal Bahamas Defense Force is stretched to their limits and the Depart ment of Marine Resources dont have the resources needed to tackle it, he said. Petes th Annual 50th Birthday celebration excites crowdBy Ashley Whylly On Saturday, Jan 25 Pete Johnston, proprietor of Petes Pub, held his th Annual 50th Birthday Party. Petes Pub is tucked away in Little Harbour, and is one of Abacos best kept secrets. The festivities began at noon on Saturday, January 25th. Music could be heard as soon as you entered the harbour and the aroma of something scrumptious was thick in the air. People traveled from all over the island to attend the party. Tourists and locals alike trekked south to dance, eat, drink and be merry all in celebration of Pete. Children were frolicking in the wa ter and skirting through the crowd. Adults were drinking, dancing and socializing. Even a few furry four-legged friends found their way to the pub because the pull of the festivities was irresistible. In true Petes fashion, there was a de licious pig roast and a number of savoury DJ Craigy Boo brought the music and he did not miss a beat. He kept the crowd moving with hits from today as well as some golden oldies and classics. Attendees were in high spirits and the party continued on into the late evening. This was the second big party of the it was, without a doubt, a success. One attendee claimed that, if you were some where else on Saturday you were probably having less fun. Above: long lining light sticks collected over a two week period on a Green Turtle Cay beach. Courtesy of Caroline Sawyer.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 5 Patricia Anne Elizabeth Toler Ar nold, Octo ber 4, 1953 December 1, 2013. Pattie Toler was a great presence in Abaco for over 20 years. in Abaco on their boat, Candide, in the late 80s and soon thereafter bought a house on Eastern Shores, named Blue Dolphin. Pat tie, as the voice of Blue Dolphin, hosted daily, and the Abacos came to rely upon "Barometer Bob's" meteorological forecasts. The house was a communications hub, and Pattie worked tirelessly after ev ery hurricane to help keep Abaco residents and visitors connected with the outside world. She watched over her community with care. If an expected boat was late ar riving, she would coordinate an effort to sent BASRA (the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association) out for boaters in trouble. With the extra power of Blue Dolphin's large antenna, she would help relay radio messages from distant vessels to recipients beyond their range. In these capacities, and as a local personality in Marsh Harbour, she touched literally thousands of people's lives. Pattie was born on October 4, 1953, in Great Falls, Montana. She had three old er siblings: Lillian, Richard, and George, and one younger sister, Margaret. All are still living. Pattie's mother was Audrey Patricia Mainzer, and her father Richard Ward Mainzer was a Colonel in the United States Air Force who served 27 years including overseas during World War II. The family moved around a lot during Pat tie's childhood, with time spent in South ern California; Casablanca and Rabat in Springs; and Montgomery, Alabama, before Richard was stationed with the Pen tagon and the family settled in McLean, school in McLean, where she was a popu lar and able student involved in everything from art, to drama, to sports. After gradu ating high school in 1971 she was accepted at Radford College, where she graduated with a degree in Art. After her graduation, she worked for many years in the Commu nications area of British Aerospace/Rolls Royce, and in 1983 she married the love of her life, James Robert "Bob" Toler, who predeceased her on September 8, 2007. Pattie married again in 2011, but un fortunately was also predeceased by her second husband, Robert M. Arnold, who passed away February 27, 2013. Her time with Bob Arnold was short, but the couple had a peaceful and happy life during their time together in Palm Springs, California, and in Seattle, Washington. In addition to her siblings, Pattie is also survived by her four stepchildren: Trent Toler, Frances Toler, Marie Toler Raney, and Jim Toler. Her presence is there will never be forgotten. Margaret Gauntlett, Pattie's younger sister, provided treasure. Her wisdom and beauty inspired, encouraged, and strengthened those of us who were fortunate enough to know her. I will never forget her laugh, her charm, and her depth of spirit. She was a good, decent, loving person. I will love and miss her forever." A celebration of Pattie's life was/will be held at Pete's Pub, in Little Harbour, on February 2, 2014. Funeral service for Douglas McDon ald, 80 yrs., a resident of Murphy Town, Aba co, was held at Zion Bap tist Church, Murphy Town, Abaco, on Saturday 25th was Rev. Christopher Dean, assisted by the Gospel. Interment followed in Murphy Town Public Cemetery, Abaco. Left to cherish his memories are his Wife: Leotha McDonald; Children: Glen, gie McIntosh, Ramona Bethel, Lorrain Great Grand Children: Younnique, Ja mal, Trinity, Rhianna, Aniska, Brittany, Magenta and Paris, Kjuan McDonald, Destiny, Diamond and Terrance Jr. Rogers, Raznae, Razheme, and Rakasha Mc Intosh, Senario, Tierra, Shamari and Tanzani Bethel, Deondra, Deon Jr., Dashaun, merous Relatives and Friends. Funeral Service for the late Jordash Rashawn Kemp age 3 of Crown Haven, Abaco was held on Saturday Jan uary 25, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Annes Anglican Church Abaco BaBowe assisted by Catechist Theophilus Rolle and Other Members of the Clergy. Interment followed in The Public Cem etery, Crown Haven, Abaco. Precious memories will forever live in the heart(s) of his loving and devoted : Mother: Shavandi Russell; Father: Christopher Kemp; Brother: Julius Fife ; Grand Parents: Deloris Love McIntosh and Ralph Browny Russell ; Aunts: Flo rina Russell, Rapunzel Pinder, Bridgette Bowleg, Shanasco Mara Campbell, Shamyell Lisa, Shaquinta Rainy and Mariska Russell, Raquel Clement, Ken dra Kemp-Gibbs, Almetta Curry, Cindy Huyler, Hilary, Stephanna, Dashna, Tina, Lovita and Milinda Kemp ; Uncles: Marcus Pinder, Teron Bowleg, Hue Campbell, Clyde Russell, Justin, Michael, Kinsley and Michael Kemp. Also by a host of fam ily and friends too numerous to mention. Remembering Family and Friends

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Page 6 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Beautiful Wall Maps of the Bahamas, Caribbean, Coastal Florida & More!www.IslandMapStore.comPhone: 239-963-3497Island Map Store Sports By Timothy Roberts The Abaco Youth Football Associa on January 25 with Marsh Harbour Wild hawgs visiting the Man-O-War Makos. Both the senior and junior teams com peted and there was even a fun game be tween the seniors and the coaches at the end. In the junior division after an evenly gether an impressive second half, which included several interceptions, winning with a score of 37 to 6. In the senior division the Makos took and staved off the Wildhawgs attempts to catch up later in the game with the help of a couple of interceptions that brought the game to a 46 to 25 conclusion. The Makos and Wildhawgs will trav el to Green Turtle Cay on Saturday, February 8 as the season continues. Youth Flag Football season resumes Press Release Round 3 of the RC Laser Tour of Abaco took place in Treasure Cay for a beautiful, sunny, and warm day of RC sail ing. Light winds were the forecast and out of the northeast. Racers competed in 7 races, with a dying wind and an outgoing tide. Dwayne Wallas won race #1, but Jim Kaighn took over winning the next 6 in a row. David Mulock showed moments of brilliance with a 2nd in race 2 which broke the tie for 3rd over Anders Ljungholm. Thanks went to the Ljungholms for hosting the group and providing the Swed ish desserts and also to Lenore Mulock who is back on the job. The group is heading to Little Harbour for February 8. They invite you to join them for lunch at Petes Pub and a 2pm start. RC sailing heads to Treasure Cay for round threeAbove: the Makos and Wildhawgs battle it out in Man-O-War.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 9 Burns House

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Page 10 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Min. Halkitis speaks to Abaco on VAT TaxBy Timothy Roberts ister of State for Finance, Michael Halki tis spoke to a room of about 150 persons 2014 and answered questions from the audience. He said that events like this involve everyone and awakens the citizenship in participating, acquiring more information and having input in what he called a truly consultative process. We need to have this discussion be cause at the end of the day we need to have the buy-in of the majority of the Bahamian people, he said. There is no use the government trying to impose something that the people will reject or be hostile to. totality of reform. He said the government in February of 2013 published a medium We cant do it by just taxation; cant do it by just seeking economic growth; and we cant do it cutting government expen diture. We can try very hard to improve revenue administration but that will not do the whole job that needs to be done. We need a combination of those four things. He said that its no use bringing new taxation when citizens can see continued wasteful spending from the government. He said that the government has done a poor job in the collection of revenues owed, noting that they were in the process of reconciling records in real property tax in the hopes of correcting this issue. Mr. Halkitis showed a number of slides detailing how over the past twenty years the government has spent more than it has earned in revenues leading to a cur rent debt of just over $5 billion. If we continue on that path it only gets worse. We have to do a better job of not spending more than we make. That is reality, he said. He said that if the debt is allowed to get too high there is less capacity to bor row for capital projects as well as in cases of emergency such as dealing with hur ricane damages. He acknowledged that the rise in debt to GDP ratio will also lead to a credit downgrade, which will affect the countrys ability to have access to credit. Mr. Halkitis spoke of the burden of tions noting that presently the government pays $75 million in pensions. The government is seeking ways they can reduce this because in about ten years it will be $240 million and in twenty years will go over $300 million. We are working now to avoid a bigger problem down the road. He said We have to expand our revenue base because currently most of the money the country makes comes from cus toms duties and excise taxes. The government wants to implement Excise Taxes and improve revenue performance from existing taxes including cus toms duties and excise taxes. We are investing a lot of money into Customs to modernize it with new technol ogies so you can clear your customs entries online. We want to look at modernizing the whole business license regime and real property tax, he said. Mr. Halkitis said the government has an implementation date of July 1, 2014 but we have to make sure everyone is ready; were pushing hard towards that target. He said that if adjustments are neces sary for smooth implementation they are prepared to look at that. He said it will be administered by the Central Revenue Agency which comes under the Ministry of Finance and the Hotel Occupancy Tax which is currently ten percent will be replaced with a ten percent ancing of customs duties and excise taxes Mr. Halkitis said they have con ducted studies on a lower rate, such as ten percent, as well as having feedback from the public on their desire for a lower rate which is something they are looking at. He explained that with the rebalanc ing of customs duties and excise taxes with gain of just over $220 million in revenue kitis said it is a multi-stage consumption tax that acts largely like a sales tax. It is not a regressive tax like income tax. He said the government would be exempting cal and educational services to minimize the impact. He gave several examples of how collected at the various stages of the supply chain. He said because the cost of custom duties will go down the government does not think the cost of goods should go up too much. istered businesses versus non-registered businesses. He said that the non-registered would not be able to receive any refund for He said that any business making under $100,000 per year would be exempt there are about 4000 businesses making over $100,000 per year and these represent 98 percent of turnover in the economy. ported, like customs duties, and will be re funded when the items are sold. Whatever Businesses will be required to keep records of all sales and will need to dis low customers to know that the business is and improve revenue generation. We believe because registered businesses would be eager to get a refund they would keep accurate records. He said the government is now work as well as items that will be exempt. What About VAT? RUM RUNNERSBAR & GRILL Beer Specials(Plus 15% Gratuity) (Plus 15% Gratuity)Local Entertainment on Saturdays NEW SCHEDULE! After Feb 2WEDNESDAY to Saturday 3pm Until And Join us Feb 2 for our Super Bowl Party BB BB ken We make going out fun! Located next to Insurance Management

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 11 problem honoring my mother and father but our elected representatives are in a po sition to make serious decisions on our be half and I think we as a people deserve the respect of being talked to, and explained things to, and asked things as opposed to told things. I believe everyone in this room is mature enough, educated enough and sav vy enough to understand what is going on and to understand the solutions and alterna tives and understand our economy if its presented in the right way. We are the people and you do work for us and you want to do something on our behalf we put you there to do some thing on our behalf but please, ask us, explain to us and get our permission to go forward. Another concern for those who of unpaid invoices. The Coalitions feels that voices. So the business has to not only pay their supplier for the goods sold as well as all other monthly expenses, but he also has As it is understood the business pays whether the customer has actually paid it or not. There is a provision that if the busi ness is never paid that they can go back to the government and seek an adjustment when they are forced to write off bad debt, but in-between that time he is carry the weight of all those costs until he collects. The alternative is cash on delivery (COD) which will in the end hurt many businesses and slow down the economy. Many businesses rely on the facilitation of What About VAT? Coalition for Responsible Taxation presents alternatives to VATBy Timothy Roberts The Bahamas Chamber of Commerce Employers Confederation (BCCEC) through their Coalition for Responsible Taxation made a presentation on alterna on January 18. Speaking to an audience of over 150 concerned citizens, Dennis Lightbourn, President of the Abaco Chamber of Com merce and member of the Coalition, pre there Alternatives? He explained that the Coalitions pur pose is to understand and examine what implications proposed tax legislation will have on the macroeconomic climate of The Bahamas. He added that they seek to identify our industry has and how to best address these concerns within the private sector or through Government dialog and to encour age proactive, cooperative, collaborative and actionable dialog between Government and Private Sector. He said the Coalition will then seek to advise the Private Sector and the Govern ment on means to implement, train, fund, educate and market responsible tax laws and regulations. look at is the July 1st, 2014 Implementa tion Date and there are many who feel the date needs to be delayed to ensure admin istrative readiness. Mr. Lightbourn said the next they crease the cost of goods and services across realize and certainly the coalition believes that prices will go up. He added that many persons believe it is a business tax and they dont need to be concerned with it but in the end the cost is borne by you, the customer. Another concern he said the Coali tion had is compliance and the collection said we all know this is a problem in The Bahamas. He said he does not envy the gov ernments position in having to make a decision that will most likely have an adverse effect on those least able to handle the increase in cost of living. Improper other system of taxation may push these people over the edge. He said the Coalitions other concern is that we are going to end up with a cashbased informal economy developing which will be counter-productive what the government is trying to achieve. Why report People will try not to be compliant. Another concern is that a monthly return schedule may be too onerous. Our feeling is that monthly is going to be dif quarterly would be a better schedule. We are past the point of being told things. My mother and father used to tell me things and thats okay I dont have a credit. Existing inventory is a major concern especially for those who have millions of dollars in inventory. Businesses will have to run their inventory down or being faced with the challenge of becoming uncompeti product they have already paid the full cus toms duty rate on. He said the Coalition is concerned ate burden to Family Island businesses and consumers. Mr. Lightbourn noted that he thinks the government has taken this into local freight service, and he thanked them for this concession. He said that private sector training and awareness is something we all need to be a part of as individuals and as businesses; we need to know what is going on and we need to plan and prepare. He said he is aware that the govern ment has contracted a software company that will set up the program that the gov ernment will use to manage and adminis concerned because they will need to have software and systems that will work with the governments system. Getting more money in revenue is one thing but if they continue to spend more than they collect it really doesnt matter what you make, he said. There needs to be austerity and budget cap mea sures taken by the government in conjunc tion with any new tax regime. He said its necessary to meet with the government, and that the Coalition has Please see VAT Page 13

February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 13 $299 $299 LADIESMENLOSE 20lbs IN 5 WEEKSWeight in a Healthy Way NO HUNGER Quick Start Detoxification Weight Loss Program INCLUDES Diet Guide Food Journal Nutritional Supplements Doctors Instruction Weekly Body Composition Evaluation Fitness Center Membership FITNESS CENTER NOW OPENr. Program Starts Tue. Feb. 11Bring a Friend Get an $80 Gift Free! engaged them in meaningful dialogue at both the technocrat level as well as at the ministerial level. He said the government has said they are open to hearing alterna tives and what would be the best way to do this. Members of the Coalition, while having various opinions, have come to a con sensus on some common concerns some of The Coalition agreed that reforms are needed across the board starting with Financial Reporting Systems. Government based on timely accurate information and present that data in a way that we can all understand. He said another suggestion is to intro duce budget caps. The government should establish, agree and approve limits to bud get spending and then manage to them and should only be increased by Parliament acting on advice from Cabinet. Part of the frustration we have in the private sector is the lack of meaningful information that we can work with, under stand and analyze so we can make suggestions and give meaningful input. I think the time has come that we need to enact a Freedom of Information Act. This is the publics information and data and it should be in the open. Mr. Lightbourn said that he is hear ing ridiculously low numbers that we collect only 25 to 30 percent of the revenue that is due to us. He said that if these numbers are even close to accurate something must be done. If we are running the country on only 30 cents on the What About VAT? dollar imagine if we collected most or all of our taxes. When we have a budget we must manage to it and it must be auditable and reconcilable. We need to get beyond man ual systems and enable people to pay their bills directly and improve revenue collec tion. Mr. Lightbourn outlined that there needs to be a top-down responsibility for budget management with established bud get caps in order to reduce spending within a prescribed timeline. Additionally the government should develop comprehensive plans to include upfront costs and annual maintenance costs and ensure that the bidding and awarding of contracts is transparent and contractors are held accountable. He suggested that Dynamic Econom ic Modeling be established to assist in ana lyzing our economy. There also needs to be determined ways to measure and improve government productivity and accountability, holding civil servants to the same standards as the private sector. He added that the creation of an ofdent monitoring and a Whistleblower Act is needful. The Coalition he said has engaged the government in high level discussions concerning these alternatives; starting with Collect what is due! The Coalition also suggested a payroll paid by employers which was well received by the business community. With estimates of about $3.5 billion paid annually in pay roll it could potentially net the government $175 million (just $25 million shy of their the payroll tax is simple and could simply Other suggestions included taxing ness license fees at a rate of about ten to twenty percent. He listed other ideas such as a capital gains on foreign real estate, lower lending rates, raising cruise passenger taxes, add fees, increase existing tax rates, and taxing the numbers business or creating a national Lottery He concluded by saying that the Coalition is seeking to Advise the Private Sector and the Government on means to implement, train, fund, educate and mar ket responsible tax laws and regulations.VAT From Page 11

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Page 14 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Looking back on 2013 Part 1 By Jennifer Hudson January Years Day celebrations on Green Turtle Cay as friends and visitors gathered for the traditional Junkanoo Parade. It was then down to business with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Ur ban Development, the Honourable Philip Davies, signing a $1.3 million contract between the Bahamas Government and Bill Simmons Construction and Heavy Equipment Co Ltd to repair roads in Central Abaco. A historic 120 mile run was undertaken by Rhonda Claridge who ran from Crown Haven to Sandy Point to raise reef awareness. February Road repairs began during the second week of February to repair potholes and resurface portions of the road in Dundas and Murphy Town and Marsh Harbour. The Food and Agriculture Organisa Training Project for The Bahamas was begun. Following classroom training, 15 participants went into Abacos pine forest on-site training to recognize and categorize healthy and suitable trees for future lumber crop March Forest Heights Academy received the ly school joining the Deep Creek Middle Bahamas. Tanisha Charlton of S.C. Bootle High dates as the Ministry of Tourisms Junior Minister for Abaco. The 2013 Great Abaco Family Fitness weekend held in Treasure Cay was a great success and in the second year man aged to more than double the participation from the inaugural year. April Abaconians excelled at the CARIFTA games. Three swimmers and one re lay runner were among the medal winning Bahamian team. The people of Man O War Cay cel ebrated their third biennial Sojer Day on April 13 honouring the cays heritage and boatbuilding legacy. The Abaco judo team won the Baha 12 divisions, Abaco won ten. May The ninth annual Island Roots Heri tage Festival in Green Turtle Cay overcame challenging weather conditions including a water spout turned tornado to host yet another successful event. The Royal Ba hamas Defence Force Marching Band was the highlight of the occasion. The Deputy Prime Minister and Min ister of Works, Philip Brave Davies, signed several capital works contracts for projects to be done at Marsh Harbour International Airport as well as a preschool to be built in Fox Town. The contract was also awarded to complete repairs at the Marsh Harbour container port building international ware house. local water company, Island Delight. June Bahamas Independence Ceremony in 1973 was raised in several locations across Abaco in the lead up to the celebration of 40 years of independence. Swimmers from Abaco, comprising als bringing back many medals. Swimmers from around the country competed at all levels and many national records were broken. The majority of swimmers from Abaco were from the Abaco Swim Club but two other Abaco Clubs also competed. July Man O War Cay School earned the prestigious International Green Flag dents with this award on behalf of the Bahamas Reef environment Educational Foundation. The Minister of Environment and Housing, the Honourable Kenred Dorset, visited various areas of pine forest on Aba co. His inspection of the established forest in the north of the island was followed by Trust logging pilot project in Spring City. coordinators with the lumber which is be ing produced from Abaco pine. en To Be Concluded RENTAL HOUSES AND APARTMENTS RENTAL HOUSES AND APARTMENTS PROPERTY & HOUSES FOR SALE Minimum for 3 lines of info $10 per issue Picture and 4 lines $25 B&W Additional lines at $2 per line Colored Photo additional $20 Spot Color highlight on word ing, additional $10 Call 242-367-3200 Fax 242367-3677 Email: abaconiannews@gmail.com Houses and Land For Rent and For Sale Blackwood, 4 bed, 3 bath house, fully furity included. $3,000 m. For further informa tion call 475-3394 Murphy Town, Triples (Fully Rented). Last appraisal at $240,000, will sell for $190,000, fused. Good starter investment. Call 456-1292 Treasure Cay Canal front property with 111 REDUCED to $279,000. Call 305-245-6043 or hquin1902@gmail.com PROPERTY & HOUSES FOR SALE Casuarina Point, tastefully furnished 3 bed 2 bath house, central air, beach views, 15 mins from Marsh Harb. $1,000/mon. Ph. 225-3211 Dundas Town, Central Pines Estate, Curley Tail Road. Two Apts for rent. 2 bed, 2 bath, ready for occupancy. Call 357-3909, 565-1041 or 458-3485 Marsh Harbour, Sky Developers 2 bed/1 bath, furnished, with A/C, washer and drier, water included, $1100/mo. Call Mrs. Green at 367-2660 Marsh Harbour, luxury penthouse for rent, 3 bed, 3.5 bath, pool, beach, dock, at The Crossing Condos. Call 577-0277 or email: neil@hgchristie.com Casuarina, For sale by owner, Lot # 100, across the street from the canal, 75x160. Asking $45,000. Call 367-3472. Serious inqui ries only! Hope Town, Bay-Side Lot. Private and quiet. $395,000. jandkoakes@hotmail.com Marsh Harbour, Government Sub, For sale by owner Duplex located in. Large corner lot of land. Can easily be converted into 4 242-342-5066/357-0386 Marsh Harbour, Sweetings Tract, property. Lot no. 49. 8,806 sq. ft. Full title. Ask tout114@yahoo.com When you place a classied ad in The Abaconian it will also be placed on our website for FREE, for the same time period. SAME PRICE, MORE COVERAGE!!Contact Us For More Information 367-3200 or email: abaconiannews@gmail.com www.theabaconian.com ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!! **STARTING JAN 1, 2014** The Abaconians web-site will have a new classied section.

February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 1 PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID WEST PALM BCH FL Permit NO 4595 Renew your subscription before the expiration date shown in the label below. The Abaconian Stuart Web Inc. 5675 SE Grouper Ave Stuart, FL 34997 Change Service Requested VOLUME 22 NUMBER 03 February 1st, 2014 Logging resumes on Abaco under Lindar Industries By Mirella Santillo Lindar Industries, which had been granted a logging concession to cut pine trees on Abaco, started logging in the pine forest North of Treasure Cay in October, 2013. The trees cut were located on an area reserved for commercial and residen tial development. Logging is to resume in Treasure Cay and later near Spring City. Abaco pine is a high end product with wood as hard as maple. Abaco was home to extensive logging operations by Owens-Illinois in the 1950s and 1960s. Owens-Illinois and the logging industry were responsible for the creation of the Great Abaco Highway and also the governments impetus to move the capitol of Abaco to Marsh Harbour from Hope Town. Whats Inside An illegal business openly advertises around town. Are the authorities concerned? A2 Residents concerned B4 A classy night for Abaco BASRA A16 Is Value Added Tax the best option for this coun try? Coverage starts on B10 Chamber hosts FACTA Tax speaker for dual citi zens A20 Its hard to break dead lines when you dont set them any more. Is the Airport Open Yet? A22 2013 in review. B14 Whats Happening Jan 31: Coalition VAT Town Hall Feb 6-7: ECC Music Doing Good Concert Feb 15: Reef Ball (Hope Town) Feb 15: Man-O-War School Flea Market Feb 18-22: Hope Town Songwriters Festival Feb 19-23: Hope Town Sailing Club Golden Ju builee Celebrations Please see Logging Page 21 Tourists trade tarmac for beach BNT raises funds for Abacos parks with art show

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Page 2 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Central & All Abaco In recent weeks numerous signs have popped up throughout Marsh Harbour, tising a night club located in the Haitian Shanty Town known as the Mudd which has caused a stir among residents. The club advertises Ladies Night every Thursday and simply says they are located in Da Mudd. Residents have Shanty town night club legally licensed? long complained of the loud music that of ten comes from the area on weekends and are throwing their hands up at the recent advertisements. We are second-class citizens in this country, said an Abaconian who lives near the Mudd. The law doesnt apply to them (Haitian Immigrants); Bahamians cant get away with what they are doing in there. When we spoke to the Business Li cense Department the Department Head license to operate a night club. However, a knowledgeable source indicated that they were sure that the business in question was not legally licensed. After speaking to the Island Adminis trator, Preston Cunningham, we were for warded to the Police Department to look into it. Mr. Cunningham said they had just had a Department Heads meeting and discussed enforcing such matters as busi nesses operating without license. Marsh Harbour Police Station we were as sured they would look into it. As of Janu ary 27 they were still investigating the mat ter. there are some businesses in the Mudd that have licenses which he concurred opened up another can of worms. Road work to resume after drill approvals B Ongoing road works will commence this week as Bill Simmons Construction & Heavy Equipment Company Ltd. have re ceived approvals to continue with the drill ing of drainage wells and re-paving works. Kino Simmons, General Manager of Simmons Construction said the he received a letter of approval in the middle of Janu ary and would receive the approval itself by January 24 allowing them to get back to work. negotiations with technocrats at the Min details and would mobilize January 27, initially doing surveying of the roads then paving. He said the approval includes three drainage wells to be drilled in the area of Rubis Gas Station and Abaco Hardware with subsequent completion of paving on Don MacKay and the repaving of Queen Elizabeth all the way to the Crossing. Mr. Simmons expects paving to re weather permitting, be completed quickly.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 3 DAMIANOS

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Page 4 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Coldwell Banker

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 5 MP Curry outlines governments role in environmental stewardship at Science Conference At the launch of the 6th Biennial Ab aco Science Alliance Conference on Jan. 17, Renardo Curry, MP for North Abaco of the Prime Minister, brought opening remarks as the keynote speaker in the ab sence of Minister of the Environment the Hon. Kenred Dorsett. Curry told audience members that en vironmental issues are of increasing impor tance to The Bahamas because of its rich marine environment, which is an important aspect of our cultural heritage and liveli hood. Our marine environment also gives life to one of the largest reef systems in the world. As a leader in the tourism sector, The Bahamas hosts millions of visitors annually many of whom come to enjoy our pristine, coastal environment, Curry boasted. Recognizing 50 years of envi ronmental stewardship is important be cause the biodiversity of The Bahamas has health and economic well-being of Baha mians. The Bahamas Government took early steps in recognizing environmental impor tance in 1958 with the establishment of the Central & All Abaco Bahamas National Trust (BNT) as the lead body for marine and land conservation in country. Over the years, there have been efforts to conserve the countrys biodiver sity with the designation and management of national parks and marine protected ar eas. Curry indicated that another area of great interest was seen in the preservation and sustainable use of our pine forests on Abaco, Andros, Grand Bahama and New Providence. Giving a history of the harvesting of pine and its various uses, Curry cited the Small Grants Project, which was es tablished in 2009 as an essential source of funding for civic and community-based groups for environmental projects. and other NGOs have made Abaco a model island of how over the many years efforts to preserve the terrestrial and marine envi ronment have been successful and greater efforts will continue in the future, Curry praised. With the islands of The Bahamas spanning great distances, Curry empha sized that energy conservation is a huge part of our environmental mandate. Al though our country has been marketed as sun, sand and sea to drive tourism, Curry added that the main engine for develop ment was shaped by exploitation and use of non-renewable fossil fuels and as result energy demands are great. In 2008, Cabinet approved the cre ation of the National Energy Policy Com mittee, which produced the National En ergy Policy. He said that the government of the Department of Agriculture to focus on forestry development on Abaco, New Providence, Grand Bahama and Exuma. Curry again applauded the Govern ment for its long history of establishing policy and regulation to protect the natural environment. Nevertheless, he urged Ba hamian citizens to do their part by reduc ing, reusing and recycling. Quoting Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie, Curry reiterated that the No. 1 priority is to keep the resources God has given The Bahamas pristine. They are not just the heart of our No. 1 industry; they are the soul of our nation, he said. Before closing, Curry said that their support of local non-governmental orga nizations (NGOs) and private citizens is of highest importance as he commended some work in the community since 1988. The government cannot protect and preserve our environment in isolation from the people who live in it, Curry ex pressed. The people of The Bahamas and certainly the people of Abaco must support governmental and non-governmental envi ronmental agencies to conserve, preserve and protect the environment. Dundas Town Local Government holds meeting of 2014 By Samantha Evans On Tuesday evening, January 14, 2014, Dundas Town Local Government the meeting which began at 6:30pm at the Dundas Town Burial Society. He told them that the All Abaco Regatta is scheduled to take place later this year and he is ex cited that all activities will be held in Dun das Town. The All Abaco Regatta is a new, and separate, event from the annual Re gatta Time in Abaco. The All Abaco Regatta is being hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture. Ac cording to Mr. Newbold the Ministry has Please see Dundas Page 6

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Page 6 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Central & All Abaco promised to help them with the work left to be done at the Cultural Center at Ocean View Park. He stated that the major events of the All Abaco Regatta will be held at Ocean View Park. Stalls for food and native dishes will be rented to vendors. Once the cultural center is completed, he stated that stalls will be rented on a monthly basis. At Independence Park stalls will be set up for churches and religious groups. They will play gospel music at this site. Browns Bay will be the location for fami lies. He updated the committee on the re moval of an abandoned building in Dundas Town. He reminded the committee that such dilapidated buildings bring down the value of the surrounding properties and do not look nice. The committee members decided to conclude the work on the sea wall at Ocean View Park. The sea wall had received heavy damage. Mr. Newbold stated that they will be looking for local contractors to volunteer their time to assist as well as tee complete this project. He stated that there was a delay in the installation of the playground at Browns Bay which was donated by BTC but he assures the community that it will still be installed. the BGCSE classes for recent graduates and high school students from the Dun das Town and Central Pines communi ties. They agreed to send letters out to the churches to inform them of the classes. Committee elections are to be held this June. Dundas From Page 5 In observance of the Ministry of Tourisms Golden Jubilee, Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Perry Christie has declared 2014 as The Year of Culture. A service was held on Abaco with Tourism and other the Baptist Anglican Church on Jan. 22 in recognition of Tourisms 50th Anniversary celebrations. Johnson, Rector of St. Johns. The order of service commenced with an opening hymn and recitation be fore Simmone Bowe, BahamaHost Satellite Golden Jubilee service celebrates Tourisms Year of Culture

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 7 Marble and Granite counter tops, showers and oors installed Made in Marsh Harbour Call 367-6867 or 367-4726 View installations on our web site: abacomarbleandgranite.com White Sound, Elbow Cay FULL SERVICE MARINA WATERFRONT VILLAS For local transporation to Sea Spray call VHF 16 or 366-0065 email : info@seasprayresort.com www.seasprayresort.com Bahamian Breakfast Sat. & Sun. Enjoy a delicious dinner with us Sea Spray will pick up from Hope Town Happy Hour Daily 5 pm 6 pm Open Year Round Come lounge at The Helm, our indoor bar Boat House Restaurant OFFERING SPECIAL MARINA RATES $500 a month for vessels 50 feet or more $300 a month for vessels under 50 feet Special effective from September 2013 to February 28, 2014 Housebreaking (Suspect Arrested and Charged) At 10:30am on 24th January, 2014, a 53 year old female of Guana Cay, Abaco, reported that sometime between 6:30pm and 9:30pm on 23rd January, 2014, a male known to her broke into her residence and stole cash. Police action requested. Suspect arrested time around 5:10pm the suspect a 35 year old male of Guana Cay, Abaco was arrest ed reference to this matter he was inter viewed and charged for the offence and is scheduled to attend court on 27/1/14. Attempted House Breaking On Thursday, 23rd January, 2014 at about 5:38pm a 53 year old female of Mur phy Town contacted the Marsh Harbour Police Station and reported that on same date some unknown person(s) attempted to enter her residence but was not successful, police action was requested in this matter. Investigations continue. Obstructing a On Sunday 26th January, 2014 at ed a male suspect, 26 years of age, from The Mudd, Abaco. He was arrested in ref execution of his duties. Investigations are ongoing in this matter. Trainer, wooed the audience with a memo rable rendition of You Are the Strength of My Life. Abaco Tourist Manager Wynsome Sales School, both assisted with the Scrip ture Readings. After the welcome and recognition by Rev. Johnson, Harrison Thompson, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, was invited to bring remarks. Thompson said this year marks a special time for us in The Bahamas as we endeavor to increase our economic power. Because Tourism is the main Minis try that has been mandated to promote the country, Thompson said that everyone is needed to help in that process because it affects all of us. Taking a walk down memory lane, Thompson recalled that tourism was more of a seasonal commodity with the season only lasting three months of the year. The product of tourism has radically changed since then. Thompson brought to mind airlines like Bahamas Airways and Mackey Air lines that serviced the Abaco community. As tourism expanded in the mid-1970s, he said that tourism in Abaco was on the upswing and second-home residents were becoming a mainstay. After visiting Korea last year, Thompson shared that it was through cul ture that Koreas tourism grew, and as this is Tourisms Year of Culture, he said that culture is a very important component, and is where tourism is headed. Culture is something Abaco knows about, and Abaco can sell itself, Thomp son assured. Abaco has a high rate of Central & All Abaco returning tourists, which tells of their sat isfaction. Today, tourism accounts for more that 60 percent of the nations economy. With Sports Tourism and Religious Tourism growing in popularity, Cultural Tourism will become a part of the Min. of Tourisms promotion as they embark on Thompsons remarks were followed by those of Renardo Curry, Parliamentary Secretary and MP for North Abaco. He also gave a brief history of Abacos growth in tourism. Recognizing that other Carib bean islands were known for their sun, sand and sea, The Bahamas soon took into account that the nation is its people, music, festivals, food and traditions. The island is on the verge of acquir ing city status if not already, Curry said. I commend the wonderful hard-working staff of the Ministry of Tourisms Abaco sure that the island remains one of the lead ers in tourist destinations. Rev. Johnson again faced the audi ence to give her sermon based on the He brews 6:1-12 Scripture Reading given by Marlique. She said that the service gave an we have come from and where we are to day. is indeed important for us as a people to recognize from whence we came [and] to recognize on whose shoulders we stand, Rev. Johnson explained. But in truth and in fact, we as a country and as a nation have come to appreciate the fact that ser vice is a part of our main business, and this truth is a part of our calling our calling as human beings for Jesus Himself said to us that we ought to be servants of the servants of God. Rev. Johnson went on question what we are doing to pass on our knowledge to others because markets are opening in in ternational arenas, and we must be com petitive in the long term. As we move on to perfection, she admonished that we must be good stewards of what we have. She recalled how people used to dress and carry themselves with dignity and respect how there was distinction and pride in their work. Mediocrity, Rev. Johnson warned, is the downfall of a nation, and will not al low us to grow or remain a reckoning force on the world stages. She strongly recom mended that we deliberately plan and pre pare for our future, and look at the reality of who we are as a people. As we celebrate, we must be a peo Crime Report Above: Please see Tourism Page 14

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Page 8 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 From the Editor's Desk // Mythical Creatures The Abaconian Bradley M. Albury Editor-in-Chief AB 20213 Marsh Harbour Abaco, The Bahamas Logo Photo Credit: Tuppy Weatherford Reporters/Freelance Contributors: Canishka Alexander, Samantha Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Timothy Roberts, Mirella Santillo, Lee Pinder Phone 242-367-3200 FAX 242-367-3677 AbaconianNews@gmail.com Subscribe NOW Order form on Abacos most complete newspaper. 2022 Aero Circle New Smyrna Beach FL. 32168 8,000 copies Published twice monthly Free at over 100 Abaco locations from Grand Cay to Moores Is. Subscription rates: $20.00 Abaco $25 other Bahamas (One Year) $45.00 USA $65 Canada airmail $95.00 UK, Europe & Caribbean surface Order The Abaconian Today JUNE 2012 Name Address Address City St. Postal code + Country E-mail or Tel # 24 issues US$ or B$ Above subscription is a gift from: $45 USA via 3 rd Class $25 Bahamas via surface $20 to Abaco US$65 Canada via Airmail US$95 UK, Europe Surface Mail to: 2022 Aero Circle, New Smyrna Beach, FL, 32168 or: P.O. Box AB 20213, Marsh Harbour, Abaco, The Bahamas If you want to renew this gift next year, please give us your address below Why subscribe? The Abaconian will keep you informed on issues such as: NAME ON CARD: CARD NUMBER: EXP DATE: SIGNATURE: AMOUNT PAID: Master Card Visa WE NOW ACCEPT MASTER CARD/VISA Community Calendar (See TheAbaconian.com for More Calendar Events) Market The Bahamas is a nation of story tellers. Stories are part of our culture. They are part of our heritage. Every island has local tales. Every family shares vaguely recollected histories. A favourite among Bahamians are stories of mythical creatures. The fear some lusca that hides deep in the blue holes. The yahoes: spirits of dread pi rates trapped in birdlike bodies stalking Lubbers Quarters. The mischievous chickcharnies of Andros. And with each passing month it appears we get closer to adding anoth er legend to our mythical bestiary. The new Marsh Harbour Terminal might as well be a fairy tale for as much good as it is doing us. And the government seems to be treating it like a fairy tale too. It has become a bedtime story to repeat to cranky Abaconians who just wont settle down. The previous government built the new terminal like a fairy tale cas tle, complete with unrealistic designs and childlike foresight. The current government turned it into a dungeon of broken promises and maybe-nextmonths. We are the ones stuck in the middle and suffering listening to a bad story. But the government has other sto ries to tell us too. The story now is how good VAT will be for the country. The story is that they are trying to reach middle ground with the business community and Bahamian people. The story is that we are sheep and they are shepherds; no need to listen to us because they know best. The reality is that if this tax starts in the ridiculous stated time frame we have been told then, no, it will not be good for this country. The current plan is to release the new duty and tariff schedule only three months ahead of time? That is absurd. You need to get concerned at this. The reality is that the Coalition for Responsible Taxation, a national think tank, has put forth multiple alternatives to the government. They explain on be half of Bahamians that VAT is folly. Thanks, but no thanks, theyre told as the government steams ahead towards VAT. And yet Minister Halkitis comes to us and says, There is no use the government trying to impose some thing that the people will reject or be hostile to. It is safe to say that the ma jority of the country is hostile to this. You need to get vocal about this. The reality is that the government works for us. Their positions do de serve respect, however, not at the cost of curtailing discussion and blind obe dience. We are not parrots shaped to repeat the dogma of politics. We are Bahamians and the shapers of our own future. I have heard so many people say Why bother? when confronted with trying to make a difference. The government is not some invincible mythical creature that is only vulnera to listen. You need to make them listen. If those in charge want to act like a government then we will see conces sions made and dialogue truly opened. If they want to act like politicians then we treat them like politicians. This country is culture is full of storytellers. I just wish our govern ment wasnt one of them.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 9 Coalition for Responsible Taxation ABACO CHAMBER OF COMMERCEand thePresentVAT and The Bahamas Are There Alternatives? At Grace Gym at Agape Christian SchoolFREE TO ATTENDBe Informed of What VAT Means to Businesses and to All of Us Whats Happening in Green Turtle is a Disaster Dear Editor: As a tourist who has been coming to these islands for 7 years now, I am very upset about what has happened to my favorite beach on Green Turtle Cay. The access has been completely blocked by a bulkhead designed to in crease the land in front of a small de velopment of private houses out beyond the original beach. You cannot get to the beach and, if you could, there is no place to walk even at low tide. Sand has been taken from the bay channel which will have effects on the land to leeward. I was told by a super visor of the dredging that they will be creating a sand dune and a new beach beyond the bulkhead. That will prob ably last until the next storm. In addi tion, the way they are doing this will create a back eddy which will com pletely take out those few houses just south of the new beach. This small development also built a breakwater a few years ago which helped them for a while at the expense of their neighbors and then they were forced to dismantle it because of the damage it had done to the rest of the Honesty & Integrity at Christmas Dear Editor: I would like to describe for you a chain of events that has reinvigorated my faith in humanity. My wife and I have been second home-owners on Great Guana Cay since 2004. We greatly enjoy interacting with local residents, and we feel welcomed by what we refer to as our "Bahamian family" on each of our visits. I lost my wallet after a trip to the Abacos in early March of 2013. There was $500 in cash in the wallet, along with cred it cards, driver's license, and, thankfully, a membership card for Sea Tow of Tampa Bay. I thought the wallet was long gone, along with all of its contents. Since that trip in early March, we also traveled to our second home in September, November, Letters to the Editor beach. I have always thought that public access to all beaches on the islands was one of the best things the Bahamian Government has done. To allow this actions of a few would be a disaster. Could you please look into this further? and December. On Christmas Eve 2013, I received a call on my cell phone from Sea Tow of Tampa Bay. Sea Tow stated that they had received a phone call from Darin who informed Sea Tow that my wallet had been found. I was incredulous. I then promptly called Darin at Al of their ferry boats was in for its annual servicing and maintenance, when one of wallet. The wallet was completely intact with all of its contents (including the $500 in cash). I was told that the employee, who found and turned in the wallet, was a gentleman by the name of Lucas. As an expression of our gratitude, we asked Da rin to give the $500 to Lucas as our sincere thanks and best wishes. We later learned that Lucas is a newlywed, so we are hope ful that he and his family had a very Merry Christmas. I bring this story to you in order to express our heartfelt thank you to both Lu honesty and integrity. We are proud to call the Abacos our second home. God Bless to all and Happy New Year! Truly yours, BRIAN M. BURSA Airfare Keeping You Down To Timothy, Abaconian Reporter: Your report on the surcharges for air travelers was very level headed. I only wish the Bahamian government was so alert and level headed. Europe over the Bahamas and on to the hamas. down then the Bahamas will lose out on thousands of travelers. People want a holiday in the Bahamas last year for only I could stay all inclusive for 10 nights in many other Caribbean desti nation. Europe is a massive area that the Bahamas has lost out on. Only six years Nassau now you are down to one and it is very expensive! Kind regards Mr Watt.

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Page 10 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Art for the Parks supports Abacos natural history This year's Art for the Parks marked between the Abaco Beach Resort and the Bahamas National Trust (BNT) in support of the national parks of Abaco. The event began on January 25 with a gala cocktail reception providing art lovers with the op portunity to preview all of the work and meet with the artists and artisans in a social atmosphere. During the brief opening ceremony, Lynn Gape, Deputy Director of the BNT, thanked the community of Abaco and the Abaco Beach Resort for their tremendous support. She also made special mention of various core artists and the committee who had worked extra hard to make Art for the Park's a truly wonderful event. Eric Car ey, Executive Director of the BNT, also added his thanks describing the Art for the Parks as a signature event on Abaco. "This event makes it possible for us to do the things we need to do in the six national parks of Abaco, namely environ mental education, managing the resources and providing opportunities for visitor ac cess." An Abaco parrot, crafted in bronze by Pete Johnson in his foundry at Little Harbour, mounted on a piece of drift wood, was presented to Andrew Sweet ing of the Abaco Beach Resort in recog Sweeting thanked everybody for attending and thanked Lynn Gape for the work she does in organising the event each year. He closed by saying that he is looking forward More than 30 artists and artisans from The show was very well organised and the booths carefully placed so that even though there was quite a large crowd of patrons it was easy to move around and view all of the artists work. People were very im pressed with the excellent standard of work exhibited. The booths were especially at tractive this year due to the inception of a best booth competition. The winner of this accolade was Da vid Lowe with his display of tile art. His signature piece this year was a very large underwater scene comprising a variety of natural materials including sea sponges, sea fans, sea urchins corals and shells on an oil painted background interspersed, of course, with some of his signature tile pieces. It would be nice to be able to com ment on all of the artists and artisans but since time and space do not allow I will who were sharing a booth were both mak ing their debut performance at the Abaco show. While Christina had shown her beaded jewellery at previous shows in the presenting her custom conch shell jewelry under the name Conch Diamonds. It was refreshing to come upon something so new which results in her stunning conch shell pieces thus; I collect my shells from the throw away piles of the conch vendors and take them home to clean out all the conch slop which is a very messy job. I then throw them overboard from the dock at the ish cleaning them out. Once clean, I use four saws to cut the shapes I want from the shells and a cabochon machine to grind and polish and give them a beautiful sheen." Karen plans to add another line of jewelry which will be crafted from coral which has been covered with rust off shoreline in certain remote areas. These pieces of coral polished to a high sheen are truly pieces of rare beauty. Karen's in terest in rocks began as a rock collecting hobby as a young child. Amazing hilltop lots with fantastic sea views. ese lots are the best priced lots in the subdivision, and boast the best views. Bakers Creek is located roughly 8 miles north of Marsh Harbour and also from Treasure Cay. e subdivision features underground utilities to all lots and access for all homeowners to the beach where picnic tables are available. Each lot is 11,300 sq. (.26 acres) BSD $39,900 Property For Sale BAKERS CREEK BEACH LOT 10 BAKERS CREEK Bakers Creek Lots 9 & 10 Central & All Abaco Please see BNT Page 11 Bakers Creek Lots 10 & 11

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 11 Abaco Hardware Brianna Higgs has been experiment ing with beaded jewelry for some time but a year or so ago she decided to turn her hand to making sea glass jewelry which she admits has now become a passion. She has also ventured into combining shells and sea fans along with the sea glass and time at the Art for the Parks. Stephanie Treco and her daughter, Lisa Higgs, made their debut appearance with their line of Stephie Jewelry. Their pieces all include different types of beads such as dyed jade, tiger eye, magnacite, black pearls and some shells all hand-cro cheted together with 22 gauge different co loured wires. Stephanie also had on display a selection of her colourful resort wear. comer to the Abaco art scene, displayed some very unique pieces which she crafts using beautiful decorative paper napkins them apart and removes the motifs she de sires then applies them to boards which she has already painted in muted colours. The She says that she just takes any piece of board and lets the notches and imperfec tions speak to her as to how she will paint that particular piece which makes for inter esting results. She also had on display her line of attractive, stenciled aprons. David Rees is now following in the footsteps of his late grandfather, the wellknown photographer Colyn Rees, and was participating in the Art for the Parks for well-known for his black and white scenic and aerial photography, David is special izing in colour photography of wildlife and underwater scenes. He also takes aerial shots but whereas his grandfather would next generation and uses a drone to get his shots. I also mention Nicole Angelica for al though she is certainly no newcomer to the Abaco art scene, since she has exhibited at every show except last year when she was sick, she had introduced something new this year. She is well known for her ex quisitely detailed paintings of the old time Central & All Abaco BNT From Page 10 Please see BNT Page 14

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Page 12 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Damianos

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 13 Damianos

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Page 14 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Standard Hardware STANDARD HARDWARELumber & Plumbing Supplies email: standardhardware@netbusiness.com We boast a fully stocked lumber yard complete with pine, cypress, fir, molding, windows, roofing supplies, plywood and much more. Visit us today and let our friendly and professional staff assist you! Bahamas for she says; "My heart is in the old nostalgic times. I like to be true to The Bahamas and bring people back to times long ago. I like to bring them back to the alley and the bush and paint kids especially with bare feet. Abaco likes children." This year, instead of focusing solely on the old time scenes Nicole was display ing some unusual monochrome oil paint ings which appeared almost as black and white photographs. "People have shown a lot of interest in these monochrome pic tures," she stated. Central & All Abaco BNT From Page 11 Kim Roberts is also a well-known artisan who regularly shows her Bahama Dawn line of products which include quilt ing, ceramics and jewellery but this year she added a new dimension by giving dem onstrations of how she makes her glass beads. The Bahamas National Trusts booth at the entrance to the show carried an in teresting assortment of literature on the na tional parks and all types of wildlife while also showing environmental videos and encouraging people to sign up as members of the trust. Brian Kakuk of the Bahamas Caves Research foundation also showed very interesting videos of the underwater world of Abaco. Complimentary Yellow Glen Pink Champagne was donated by Bristol Cel lars. Art for the Parks extended through out the weekend with more art showings, cultural talks, entertainment and many more events. ple who are looking forward, a people who are moving on to perfection, Rev. John son concluded. Don Cornish, director of Product for the Ministry of Tourism, closed out the service with The Intercessions on behalf of the church, the nation and the world. treated to a complimentary lunch at Man goes Restaurant. Abaco suspect charged with two counts of homicide Police in Abaco on Sunday, Janu ary 26, 2014, charged Pedro Dean, alias Stitchie, of Murphy Town, Abaco with two counts of Murder. This is in connection with the two ho micides that occurred on Saturday Jan 18, 2014 in Abaco. as: 1. Landris Lacaro Curry age 32 years of Dundas Town, Abaco Dundas Town, Abaco Pedro Dean alias Stitchie will be arraigned at the Magistrate Court in New Providence on Monday, January 27, 2014. Police in Abaco are continuing the investigation into this matter and would like to thank members of the public for their assistance in this investigation. Tourism From Page 7

Page 16 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 The Cays Evening of Elegance raises funds for BASRA The Abaco branch of the Bahamas Air Sea Rescue Association (BASRA) held their annual Evening of Elegance fundrais ing dinner and auction on January 25 at the Abaco Inn on Elbow Cay. BASRA is a volunteer organization that is committed to providing emergency services and saving the lives of distressed boaters and airmen in The Bahamas. In 2013 the Abaco branch of BASRA was awarded the prestigious Association for Rescue at Sea Caribbean Search and Rescue. In November 2011 the local chap ter of BASRA responded in severe weather conditions on the Sea of Abaco and saved 61 lives. The Evening of Elegance was spon sored by Burns House Ltd and by Veuve Cliquot & Hennessey. The fundraising din ner was $125 per plate. Also raising funds for BASRA was a silent auction that ran from Jan 20 until that evening. Included among the many items on the auction block were: a seat on the Abaco Rage, a one week stay at Lubbers Quar ters, and Albury Sail Shop bag, artwork by Guy Harvey, spa treatment and lunch for two at Bakers Bay, a half day excursion with Captain Plug, a unique Hope Town Canvas bag, a week stay in Ireland, handpainted bicycles by Kim Rody, and many more. One of the most hotly contested bid items was a large, hardback 007 James Bond Archive book. It was signed by James Bond himself Sean Connery and dated January 2014. Complimentary Veuve Clicquot champagne was served to the well-dressed crowd. The auction was presided over by the energetic Tania Duncombe. Throughout the evening she encouraged everyone to open their wallets and support BASRA, as well as get a chance to win the many great down, many happily responded. The Abaco Inn served an indulgent meal for those in attendance: Portabello Mushroom & Brie Soup, Belgian Endive with lobster and barnaise sauce) and a dessert of Pavlova. Manager Tom Hazel was on hand to ensure everyone was hav ing a good time. BASRA celebrated 50 years of Vol unteers Saving Lives at Sea this year.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 17 OCEAN BLUE PROPERTIES Member B.R.E.A. G.P.O. Green Turtle Cay, Abaco, Bahamas Sales, Rentals and Property Management ON GREEN TURTLE CAY: UNDER CONTRACT!!! Hilltop commercial lot on entry road to settlement of New Plymouth.. Great Opportunity! Twin Palms oers two immaculate attached furnished waterfront townhouses on the Sea of Abaco. Each side mirrors the other with 3 bedrooms and 2 1/2 baths. A/C throughout. Internet and satellite. 2 Kayaks. Mini putts. Newly built 60 dock accommodates 42 boat. .537 acres. Asking Price $1.65m.. JUST REDUCED!!! 9,600 sq.ft. lot just steps to the Atlantic Ocean Beach. Quiet residential area. B $55,000.00. UNDER CONTRACT!!! 85 x 120 lot with start-up foundation. Less then 300 steps to the Atlantic Ocean Beach. 20,000 sq.ft. parcel 125 from Long Bay Beach. Water view possible. Water and power accessible. B $195,000.00. Chic furnished artists home with two master bedroom suites plus 1/2 bath. Water view of White Sound. Within walking distance to a public dock with ramp. A/C throughout. Artist studio with north light exposure. Garage, workshop, golf cart. $495,000.00. PRICE REDUCTION!!! The Pink Pearl Completely re-furbished 115 year old historic wood building centrally located in the heart of New Plymouth. Commercial/or residential use. Excellent tenant in place .Short walk to Settlement Creek and ferry service. Parking area. B$169,900.00. The Golden Reef Large two story commercial building in the heart of historic New Plymouth. Shop/oce space on ground oor. Two furnished two bedroom one bath apartments on second oor with good rental history and sea views. Parking space. $550,000.00.Two elevated waterfront parcels on the Blu overlooking the Sea of Abaco. Stunning sunsets. Approximately 1/4 acre each with 85 each on the water. Naturally deep water for a dock. Priced to sell TOGETHER for a total of $ 395,000 + 7 1/2% to close BABY CRIBS $250 00 & $285 00 WOODEN TODDLER BEDS $175 .00 Ron-Paul Cabinets PlusOwners: Ronnie & Pauline Roberts Phone: (242) 367-0546Visit our Showroom Located Opposite the old Lowes Pharmacy ALL LAMINATE FLOORING $2 50 sq.ft. PADDING $0.55 sq.ft. ** 10% OFF ALL MATTRESS & BOX SPRINGS **Commercial Carpet..$11.00sq.yd. Carpet Padding........$6.00 sq.yd. All Boys & GirlsBicycles 18 & 20 $155 .00 METAL TWIN OVER TWIN BUNK BED $430 00 METAL TWIN OVER FULL BUNK BED $485 .00 6 DRAW DOUBLE DRESSER $300 .00 4 DRAW CHEST $250 .00 5 DRAW CHEST $275 .00 ROLLAWAY BEDS $260 .00 Central & All Abaco By Mirella Santillo In August of 2013, SEV Consulting Group led by Stacey Moultrie was con tracted by the Government of The Baha mas, through the BEST Commission and the Ministry of Environment and Housing to conduct an inventory on POPS (Persis tent Organic Pollutants). The main objec tive of the project is for The Bahamas to Convention. Team surveying Abaco for compliance with the Stockholm Convention The project is to be conducted in hama, Andros, Abaco, Eleuthera and New Providence with SEV surveying Andros, Abaco and Eleuthera and the Department of Environmental Health Services along with the Pan-American Health Organiza tion taking care of New Providence and Grand Bahama. such as DTT, Aldrin, Chlordane, Dieldrin, Hexachlorobenzene and Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) among others and her bicides as well as by-products of chemical industries, is to be taken. Secondly, all the chemicals found are to be put in a database, in order for the Government to track what is coming into the country and whether it is being prop erly disposed of. Thirdly, an implementation plan is to be developed. Under the Stockholm Convention agreement, the Government of The Ba hamas made the commitment to phase out certain chemicals and to reduce others as be recommended by SEV. POPs are organic substances that once released into the environment remain intact for an exceptionally long period of time. They become widely distributed and bio-accumulate in fatty tissue of living or ganisms, including humans. They are toxic to humans and wildlife. The project objectives are to prepare the ground for implementation of the Con vention requirements; to satisfy its report Convention and to strengthen the national capacity to manage POPS and chemicals in general. A survey to determine which chemi cals are entering the country is being pres ently undertaken. So far Mrs. Moultrie and her group have visited farmers and hardware stores on N. Andros, and on the main island of Abaco, asking farmers what chemicals they use, discussing with hard ware stores what their inventory of chemi cals is and visiting the dumps to see what is being discarded. She also wants to interview key per sonnel of the major shipping companies to get an idea of what is coming into the country. Once the survey is completed, the products found will be studied and ana hazardous chemicals mentioned on a list of The implementation plan will outline which chemicals should be either eliminat ed or their unintentional release reduced. The Department of Environmental Health Services and the Pan-American Health Organization are taking a strategic approach and adopting a global plan of ac tion to achieve the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle, so that by 2020 chemicals are used and pro duced in ways that lead to the minimiza health and the environment. Locally, the National Implementation Plan (NIP) will consist of assessing the institutional capacity needs of establish ing the economic and social implications of POPs; of achieving an assessment of laboratory, research and development ca pacity; of identifying the socioeconomic, public health and environmental issues; of putting forward action plans for priority POPs and of implementing targets, timeframes, implementation costs and indica tors of success. The SEV team is comprised of a chemist, Stefan Moss, a database special ist, Nekia Brice and with Stacey Moultrie as the team coordinator. The project coor dinator for the BEST Commission is Gam mell Deal.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 19 AES

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Page 20 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Fredericks Agency Ltd. Customs Brokers Central Abaco Town Planning 27 Jan 2014 All six members were present to re view eight plans totaling $1,373,600 of construction value. Seven were routine last one was for improvements and expan sion to the Murphy Town block plant total ing $1.2 million. Extensive discussions took place on the unchecked construction in the Mud and Pigeon Peas settlements along with the many unlicensed businesses operating there. In order for a business license to be considered proof of ownership or a lease by the property owner must be provided. The Mudd is all government land whereas Pigeon Peas is a land-grant dat ing into the mid-1800s and ownership or ownership issues, complying with the building code, sanitation and public health A further bar to obtaining a business li cense relates to citizenship as foreigners are not allowed to compete with Bahamians for most common businesses. Members of this Town Planning Board were concerned that Nassau does Ministry of Works department to carry out their mandated inspections and subsequent destruction of illegal construction in these communities. Central & All Abaco Chamber hosts CPA to speak to Abaconian dual citizens on FACTA compliance On Jan 17 the Abaco Chamber of Public Accountant to discuss the new citizens (Bahamian/U.S.A) living in Aba co. The CPA, Scott Williams, is a longtime visitor to Abaco. Over 120 people came to the meeting, which was held at the Anglican Hall. Dual citizens living in The Bahamas are still considered by the US to be US citi zens. The USA tax code requires citizens to report their worldwide income from all sources. There are three forms Dual Citi zens should be concerned about: Individual Mr. Williams explained the differ US Internal Revenue Service (IRS), and having to pay United States taxes on that income. Worldwide income exceeding for citizens living in the US, but for US citizens living abroad the deadline is not until June 15. Even then an extension can be requested until October. While income over $10K must be de clared it may not be necessary to pay taxes to the US govt on that income. Income. Meaning if you are a dual citizen living and working in The Bahamas, your Earned Income up until $97,600 is exempt from taxes. However there are wrinkles Income including certain rental income, investments and other income. An expert should be consulted if this applies. Mr. Williams told the crowd that aimed at Bahamians. Instead this is a blan ket that covers all US citizens and they are expected to comply. fairly new laws and are the reason educa reporting laws and generally no taxes are due. a dual citizen has more than $10,000 in any non-US bank at any given time through out the year. Being a signature on an ac as well. Again, taxes are not generally due, government to keep an eye US citizens money to prevent laundering and terror ism. Please see FACTA Page 22

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section A Page 21 A two bedroom one bath vacation home on Green Turtle Cay. Oered fully furnished and turn-key condition. The home is perched on an elevated lot providing pleasant breezes from the nearby Ocean. There is a shared dock at Coco Bay and the Ocean beach is just steps away. Listed at $179,000.00 Best priced home in Abaco! Coconuts Chris Farrington: 242-577-1951 info@greenturtlerealestate.com North Abaco Owens-Illinois produced pulpwood. Lindar Industries harvests and markets from Abaco pine. The cut trees are hauled to the Marsh Harbour area where they are processed to crown molding intended for Nassau. A state of the art computerized sawmill slices Another machine produces the crown moldings and quarter-round moldings made of scrap pieces. The wood is planed by another so phisticated machine and further processed into tongue and groove boards with a width Logging From Page 1 starting at two and a half feet up to ten feet. is dehydrated through a combination of air conditioning and heat. AC units and kilns are used for this process. the lowest quality sections going for $3.00 per square foot. Owner of Lindar Industries, Robert Roman, came to Abaco on January 16 for one of his regular visits to the island. Al though based in Nassau, he supervises the manager, Jeff Bonnet. Mr. Bonnet over sees the daily operations and the proper maintenance of the equipment. Meeting with Mr. Roman on the site, this reporter saw the crew busy feed The Hope Town Sailing Club Welcomes Everyone to Join Us for Our 50th AnniversaryGOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATION February 19 23, 2014Wednesday, February 19th FOUNDERS CUP RACE 11:00 am START..... Open to ALL Cruising Class Sailboats 9:00 am..... Captains Meeting to Register 4:30 pm..... STAND UP for All Participants at the Hope Town Sailing Club Thursday, February 20th 9:00 am 2:00 pm..... STUDENTS OPEN HOUSE Classes from Local Schools have been invited to Tour the Hope Town Sailing Club Junior Sailing Club Opti Boat Display and Information 3:00 pm 5:00 pm...... REMINISCING 50 YEARS at the Hope Town Sailing Club Open to the Public History Highlights, Humor and Nostalgia with Founders, Past Commodores and Guest Speakers Friday, February 21st Hope Town Sailing Club Member FLEET REVIEW 9:45 10:30 am..... Boats will Parade in the Harbour 10:00 am..... Judges and Viewers will gather 11:00 am...... FLEET REVIEW Begins Boats will Pass Judges in Review 5:30 pm..... Awards STAND UP for All Fleet Review Participants at the Hope Town Sailing Club Saturday, February 22nd HOPE TOWN SAILING CLUB OPEN HOUSE *Open to the Public* 10:00 am 3:00 pm..... Videos of Races, Display of Trophies Golden Jubilee Items will be displayed and for Sale JUNIOR SAILING CLUB Exhibits Opti Boat Display with Wish List & Fundraising 11:00 am 12:00 pm..... HTSC History Book Signing by Kitty Donnan Saturday, February 22nd GOLDEN JUBILEE COCKTAIL PARTY at the HUMMINGBIRD ART GALLERY 6:00 pm 10pm *Open to the Public* Tickets: $25.00 per person includes Commemorative glass & rst drink Tickets available at HTSC, HG Christie and Abaco Inn Food, Drink and Music Catered by Abaco Inn and Member Donations REMARKS and POEMS MULTIMEDIA DISPLAYS Jubilee Silent Auction Sunday, February 23rd 1:00 pm START..... BAVERSTOCK TROPHY REGATTA For Abaco Dinghies, Sunsh and Optis INFORMAL AWARDS GATHERING After the races for Participants at the Hope Town Sailing ClubCOME CELEBRATE WITH US THE WEEK OF Febraury 19th through the 23rd, 2014 Please see Logging Page 22

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Page 22 Section A The Abaconian February 1, 2014 ere & Back.....Again EFFECTIVE: JULY 2012 Ph: 242-367-0290 Fax: 242-367-0291 REGULAR FERRY SCHEDULE Marsh Harbour to Hope Town 20 minute ride 7:15am / 9:00am / 10:30am /12:15pm 2:00pm 4:00pm / 5:45pm Hope Town to Marsh Harbour 8:00am / 9:45am / 11:30am /1:30pm 3:00pm 4:00pm / 5:00pm / 6:30pm Marsh Harbour to Man-O-War 20 minute ride 7:15 / 10:30am / 12:15pm / 2:30pm* 4:00pm / 5:45pm *Except Sundays and Holidays Man-O-War to Marsh Harbour 8:00am / 11:30am / 1:30pm /3:15pm* / 5:00pm *Except Sundays and Holidays Marsh Harbour to Scotland/Guana Cay 30 minute ride 6:45am / 10:30am / 1:30pm /3:30pm 5:45pm Scotland/Guana Cay to Marsh Harbour 8:am / 11:30am / 2:30pm / 4:45pm / 6:30pm Any stops outside the main harbour will be a minimum charge of two persons. Two persons or over will remain at regular charge. During the month of August through December there are some adjustments made to the schedule. You are advised to contact the oce for any changes. REGULAR FERRY FARES One Way: $17.00 Round Trip Open Return: $27.00 Children 6-11: Half Price Children 5 and under: Free Hope Town and Man-O-War ferries depart from the Ferry Dock at Crossing Beach. Guana /Scotland Cay depart from the Conch Inn. Prices subject to change without notice. Alburys Ferry Service Area Code 242 unless listed otherwise Island-wide Abaco Listings Abaco Cottage 114 hse 366-0576 Abaco Vacation Planner + 25 hse 367-3529 Casuarina Point Sea Grape/Coco Plum 2 Units 367-2107 Cherokee Lee Pinder 3 hse 366-2053 Marina Albury Cottages 5 cottages 366-2075 Grand Cay Rosies Place 352-5458 Green Turtle Cay Barefoot Homes 14 hse 577-4092 Bluff House Club 12 units 365-4200 Cocobay Cottages 6 cott 800-752-0166 Green Turtle Club 35 rm 365-4271 Island Properties 34 hse 365-4047 Leeward Yacht Club 5 hse 365-4191 New Plymouth Inn 9 rm 365-4161 Ocean Blue Properties 34 hse 365-4636 Other Shore Club 365-4226 Roberts Cottages 3 cott 365-4105 Guana Cay Dive Guana 11 hse 365-5178 Dolphin Bch Resort 4 rm 10 cott. 365-5137 Guana Sunset Beach 13 units 365-5133 Ocean Frontier 6 cott 519-389-4846 Wards Landing 4 units 904-982-2762 Ruth Sands 9 hse 365-5140 Hope Town Abaco Inn 22 rm 366-0133 Crystal Villas 5 villas 321-452-0164 Elbow Cay Prop 53 hse 366-0035 Hope T Harb Lodge 25 rm 366 0095 Hope T Hideaways 63 hse 366-0224 Hope Town Inn 6 rm 4 Villas 3 Suites 366-0003 Hope T Villas 3 hse 366-0266 Lighthouse Rentals 4 cott 366-0154 Sea Gull Cottages 4 hse 366-0266 Sea Spray Resort 6 villas 366-0065 Tanny Key 43 hse 366-0053 Turtle Hill 4 villas 366-0557 Lubbers Quarters Cay Lubbers Landing 4 villas 577-2000 Man-O-War Island Home Rentals 2 hse 365-6048 Waterway Rentals 14 hse 365-6143 Marsh Harbour area Abaco Beach Resort 82 rms 367-2158 Abaco Real Estate 6 hse 367-2719 Abaco Towns 16 apts 367-0148 Ambassador Inn 6 rms 367-2022 Conch Inn 9 rms 367-4000 Living Easy 16 hse 367-2202 Island Breezes Motel 8 rms 367-3776 Lofty Fig Villas 6 eff 367-2681 Pelican Beach Villas 6 cott 367-3600 Regattas 32 apts 577-6764 HG Christie 11 hse 367-4151 Sandy Point Oeishas Resort 366-4139 Pete & Gays Resort 14 rm 366-4119 Spanish Cay Spanish Cay Resort 18 rm 6 hse 365-0083 Treasure Cay Abaco Estate Services Mult hse 365-8752 Bahama Beach Club 88 units 365-8500 Brigantine Bay Villas 5 units 877-786-8455 Treasure Cay Resort 95 rms 365-8801 Turtle Rock Villas at Palmetto Beach 3 villas 262-820-1900 Hotels and House Rental Agents Web Sites with Abaco Information www.abaconian.com www.abacoinet.com www.abacocottage.com www.abacos.com www.oii.net www.bahamas.com Hope Town..cont Honesty and Quality You Can Count On Brandon ompson Residential and Commercial Customized to suit your lifestyle Sales and Service Quality boat lift dealer for 10 years www.lbtmarine.com bthompson@lbtmarine.com Cell: 242-357-6532 Ph/Fax: 242-367-2704 ing logs into the sawmill. Among the pine trees there was also a huge Genip tree that Mr. Roman rescued and shipped to Marsh Harbour to use it in a productive way rath er than have it rot away. Mr. Roman explained that the log ging in Treasure Cay was to resume mo mentarily, and later on in Spring City. Logging in Buckaroon Bay will follow, I want to get everything set-up, or said. Asked about the challenges facing such an operation, he explained that be cause Abaco Pine is a high end product, (Pinus Caribaea Bahamensis) is a wood as hard as Maple. Its high resin content, which causes it to be resistant to termites, makes it a prime wood for indoors proj acceptance of the local market, he ex plained. Internationally, it is more tricky. Because it is a new product, people have to quirement concerning wood import to the United States have to be respected. A cer is needed, attesting that the wood has been endeavor. He thinks the quality and the uniqueness of the product will allow him to make a success of an operation which had previously suffered a few setbacks in 2010. Central & All Abaco Compliance Act) is related to certain for Real estate in not considered a foreign as at the end of the year OR $300K at any alongside the Individual 1040. disclosure documents with no taxes neces sarily involved. Regardless, willful failure There is Reasonable Cause asso tions such as: When did you become aware of these requirement? Professional help should be consulted in this situation. Regarding expatriation, relinquish ing ones US citizenship, Mr. Williams patriation a dual citizen must certify past compliance with all US tax laws. Heavy penalties and interest on penalties may be involved with the process if compliance cannot be proven. On the question of how far back must Cause and who were not aware of these tax laws: around three years. necessary once a citizen surpasses $10K in income. Taxes are only necessary once a come. Bahamian entity businesses with Dual Citizen partners are not required to pay US taxes. The only taxable income from a Bahamian business would be in relation to the dual citizens income and dividends from said business. Again, taxes may not be required on said income and dividends. Professional help should be consulted. After the meeting Chamber Presi dent Dennis Lightbourne presented Mr. Williams with a gift of the new Cruisers Guide to Abaco. Mr. Williams, after see ing the large turnout and productive ques tion and answer session, agreed to return to Abaco for another town hall later in the year. Logging From Page 21 FACTA From Page 20 The Abaconian presents Is the Airport Open Yet? Part III No. Why? representatives on our island. Call them today. Call the Ministry of Works. Demand answers. Check Back Next Issue for Another Exciting Installment in: Is the Airport Open Yet?

February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 1 VOLUME 22 NUMBER 03 February 1st 2014 Min. Halkitis speaks to Abaco on VAT Tax Patricia Curry places in Top 20 at Miss Tourism International Pageant By Canishka Alexander Patricia Currys road to fame began in December 2012 when she became the 2012 Miss Abaco winner before going on to capture the Miss Bahamas Tourism title. Since she was 12 years old, the for mer track athlete and Abaco beauty queen has been modeling at various events on the island. I love being in front of a crowd; it gives me adrenalin, she expressed. Growing up, I was always told I had the stature of a model. Once I started model ing, I grew to love it. Recently, Patricias love for modeling led her to embark upon a three week-long journey to Malaysia where she competed in the Miss Tourism International Pageant and placed in the Top 20. December 31, 2013, I placed in the Top 20. It was a surprise to me as I knew I did well in the judges interview, but the favourites were obvious. Although elated by her accomplish ment, Patricias time in Malaysia was one with disappointments and challenging mo ments. Please see Paqeant Page 2 Above: Patricia Curry greeted by her family back in Marsh Harbour. Above: Minister Halkitis speaks to a crowd in Abaco about the Value Added Tax. See what he had to say as well as the Coalition for Responsible Taxations rebuttal starting on page 10.

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Page 2 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Lifestyles While it was a trip of a lifetime, and I am grateful of the opportunity afforded to me, representing my great country a smooth ride, she explained. Patricia shared that she was given three different departure dates from the Miss Abaco Pageant Committee, and on the day of her departure on Dec. 10, there was no ticket in the system for her. After speaking to President Mr. TJay Stubbs, he continued to give me hope that my ticket would be purchased. After the numerous calls of hope, a close friend of mine called Mr. Stubbs and asked that he meet with them at the travel agency, and my friend agreed to cover the majority of the cost for my travel. The only portion of my ticket that was purchased by the Committee at this time was from Marsh Harbour to Miami. With time not on my side, I left Abaco two days behind schedule on December 10 without a ticket from Miami to Malaysia, as the travel agency had to just make the booking for the remainder of my trip. During check-in at the Marsh Har bour Airport, Patricia received her evening gown and national costume sans the head piece minutes before her departure. When she arrived in Miami, she con absorbed most of the cost for. At this point, I was in tears; torn and disappointed, contemplating whether I should continue on to Malaysia or return home, Patricia lamented. After encour aging words from my family, I decided to go on with my trip to Malaysia. It took me two days December 10 to 12 to arrive in Malaysia however, once I got there, I put all of my frustrations aside and went straight into competition mode. Upon arrival at Hotel Marriott Pu trajaya on Dec. 12, Patricia was ushered straight into hair and make-up in prepara tion for a press conference. There was no turning back at this point, so Patricia was determined to give her all. Patricias schedule was quite de manding with her days beginning at 6 a.m. and ending at midnight. Malaysia is 13 hours ahead of Baha mian time, which was a huge adjustment for me. The preparation for my trip was not properly coordinated, so I was made aware of items such as a portfolio and ad ditional evening gowns that I should have, which I was advised that Mr. Stubbs should have shared with me prior to my travel. This was another distraction for me as I was caught totally off guard; however, with the good Lord on my side and my roommate from Guatemala, she had extras of everything and was kind enough to share with me. Patricia said that interacting with con testants from 59 other countries and build ing lasting friendships with women like Wonda from Guatemala, Michelle from the Dominican Republic and Lebo from Swaziland, is something she will always remember. As a result, the 25-year-old beauty plans to travel around the world visiting friends she bonded with. While visiting Malaysia, Patricia learned that it is similar to The Bahamas in terms of natural beauty and great weather, but Malaysia is far more advanced in its architecture. While there was no platform for con testants to speak on, Patricia said that the main objective of the Miss Tourism Inter national Pageant is to promote Malaysia. She was also given the opportunity to pro mote The Bahamas as a gem of the Carib bean when the opportunity was available. She noted that the long hours of prep run. Throughout the competition and prejudging segment, Patricia recalled feeling relaxed and feeling as though she was talk felt natural and she enjoyed every moment being on the stage. On Jan. 5, Patricia was welcomed home by her family who surprised her with one from the Miss Abaco Pageant Commit tee met her at the airport or telephoned her during her travels back home. Although disappointed, Patricia wel comed the love and support of her family. Special thanks was extended to all who supported her in her journey to Ma laysia particularly Terry Frank for his gen erous monetary donations; Cina Ingraham, owner of Boy Meets Girl; Keli Albury of of Keras Fashion for her wardrobe; Ber Donna Ferguson, family and friends. My trip to Malaysia had its up and downs, but I thank God for the opportunity to represent my country, and I was able to leave a mark internationally, Patricia I am now a pageant girl, and this will not be the last of me in pageants. Patricia plans to enter The Miss Ba hamas World Pageant later this year, and if successful, she will represent The Bahamas once again on the international stage. on a note of encouragement: Dream big, stay focused and believe in yourself. In life there will be stumbling blocks in your way, but you must persevere, stay focused and reach for your goals. Persons will doubt you, but use the doubt as your fuel and soar. Young girls Lord, and through Him all things are pos sible. Pageant From Page 1 Above: Patricia Curry on stage in Malay sia as Miss Tourism Bahamas.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 3 HG Christie

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Page 4 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Abaco Marine Props Propellers Reconditioned & Rehubbed Phone 367-4276 Fax 367-4259 across the street from Abaco Outboards in Marsh Harbour Brass Stainless Aluminum Sandblasting & Marine grade welding on Stainless and Aluminum Certied Propeller Repair Technician The ONLY NNPA Techncian in The Bahamas ABACO FREIGHT COURIER SERVICES Ocean Air 6671 W Indiantown Rd, Suite 50-453 Jupiter, Florida 33458 Walk-in and special handling nick@abacofreight.com Nick Mazzeo Groceries All you need & more! Fruit & Vegetables Canned Goods Dairy Products Frozen Foods Phone or Fax : 366-2022 Mon. Fri. 7:30am 6pm Sat 7:30am-7pm The Place to be is Cherokee! Cherokee Food Fair CURRYS FOOD STORE Customer docking Homemade bread Complete line of groceries Frozen foods, fresh fruits & vegetables Block & crushed ice Green Turtle Cay Ph. 242-365-4171 Fax 365-4072 Located on the harbour front Sids Food Store Groceries Toiletries Souvenirs Serving New plymouth and the entire Green Turtle Cay Area Fresh Fruits & Vegetables Frozen Meat Dry and Canned Goods Homemade Breads WIDE SELECTION FAST EFFICIENT SERVICE Located Near Town Dock, New Plymouth, Green Turtle Cay Tel: (242) 365-4055 In an attempt to preserve Marsh Har bours history, one native son has taken to the internet as an effective resource to chronicle the past. The Marsh Harbour Online Museum, brainchild of Robert Key, aims to host photos and stories from gen erations both long past and those fading. Currently the Marsh Harbour Online Museum only maintains a Facebook page. However, plans are in place for a perma nent website to categorize and better share the history of Marsh Harbour. Photos chronicling the opening of the Marsh Harbour Airport, old maps, and the forefathers of many families can be found. The idea is to ask the public to submit and share their history. Photos and old stories are to be preserved for generations to re Robert Key said, Marsh Harbor is laden with a rich and colorful history. I feel as a young and proud Bahamian that we must record and preserve our unique heritage. I hope, in this small way, we can foster awareness in our fellow Bahamians, our children and visitors alike as to where we came from as well as to chart a course for a prosperous future. Search on Facebook for Marsh Har bour Online Museum and add to Abacos history. Lifestyles Marsh Harbour Online Museum aims to preserve history with your help Above: the original building which housed Taylor Electric. Today it is the site of AID. Photo courtesy of Perry Lisa Sawyer. speculated to be increasing in Bahamian waters By Timothy Roberts On a recent beach-combing trip Min istry of the Environment Warden Keith Bishop found a large amount of buoys, on beaches in Southern Abaco from long Mr. Bishop, a coastal engineer, said this is nothing new. Awareness of this is sue goes back to the early 90s when there was a big campaign launched by ReEarth and hundreds of people sat outside parlia ment with Dont Mess With Our Fish t-shirts on. Eventually the Prime Minis ter came out and Long Line Fishing was banned. He said there has always been long line paraphernalia washing up on coastal raise because of the amount found in recent times. He said while it is uncertain why there has been an increase one of the rea is an increase in long line activity in Baha mian waters. We are often told that they come in at night and deploy their lines sometimes as much as 12 miles of line and take their boat out to international waters returning later to collect their lines and catch, he said. He said it is unknown where the long line boats come from but it is speculated that they may be of Dominican origin or possibly from another Caribbean country. sidered among the most damaging. While the miles long line captures schools of and dolphin (mahi-mahi) it also captures no marketable and endangered sea life like turtles and porpoises among other which are often killed in the process and waste fully discarded. depletes marine resources causing further damage to not just marine environments Mr. Bishop said this has to be a con cern for us. The marine environment sup What is the answer for us? We know the Royal Bahamas Defense Force is stretched to their limits and the Depart ment of Marine Resources dont have the resources needed to tackle it, he said. Petes th Annual 50th Birthday celebration excites crowd By Ashley Whylly On Saturday, Jan 25 Pete Johnston, proprietor of Petes Pub, held his th Annual 50th Birthday Party. Petes Pub is tucked away in Little Harbour, and is one of Abacos best kept secrets. The festivities began at noon on Sat urday, January 25th. Music could be heard as soon as you entered the harbour and the aroma of something scrumptious was thick in the air. People traveled from all over the island to attend the party. Tourists and lo cals alike trekked south to dance, eat, drink and be merry all in celebration of Pete. Children were frolicking in the wa ter and skirting through the crowd. Adults were drinking, dancing and socializing. Even a few furry four-legged friends found their way to the pub because the pull of the festivities was irresistible. In true Petes fashion, there was a de licious pig roast and a number of savoury DJ Craigy Boo brought the music and he did not miss a beat. He kept the crowd moving with hits from today as well as some golden oldies and classics. Attendees were in high spirits and the party continued on into the late evening. This was the second big party of the it was, without a doubt, a success. One attendee claimed that, if you were some where else on Saturday you were probably having less fun. Above: long lining light sticks collected over a two week period on a Green Turtle Cay beach. Courtesy of Caroline Sawyer.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 5 Patri cia Anne Elizabeth Toler Ar nold, Octo ber 4, 1953 December 1, 2013. Pattie Toler was a great presence in Abaco for over 20 years. in Abaco on their boat, Candide, in the late 80s and soon thereafter bought a house on Eastern Shores, named Blue Dolphin. Pat tie, as the voice of Blue Dolphin, hosted daily, and the Abacos came to rely upon "Barometer Bob's" meteorological fore casts. The house was a communications hub, and Pattie worked tirelessly after ev ery hurricane to help keep Abaco residents and visitors connected with the outside world. She watched over her community with care. If an expected boat was late ar riving, she would coordinate an effort to sent BASRA (the Bahamas Air Sea Res cue Association) out for boaters in trouble. With the extra power of Blue Dolphin's large antenna, she would help relay radio messages from distant vessels to recipients beyond their range. In these capacities, and as a local personality in Marsh Harbour, she touched literally thousands of people's lives. Pattie was born on October 4, 1953, in Great Falls, Montana. She had three old er siblings: Lillian, Richard, and George, and one younger sister, Margaret. All are still living. Pattie's mother was Audrey Patricia Mainzer, and her father Richard Ward Mainzer was a Colonel in the Unit ed States Air Force who served 27 years including overseas during World War II. The family moved around a lot during Pat tie's childhood, with time spent in South ern California; Casablanca and Rabat in Springs; and Montgomery, Alabama, be fore Richard was stationed with the Pen tagon and the family settled in McLean, school in McLean, where she was a popu lar and able student involved in everything from art, to drama, to sports. After gradu ating high school in 1971 she was accepted at Radford College, where she graduated with a degree in Art. After her graduation, she worked for many years in the Commu nications area of British Aerospace/Rolls Royce, and in 1983 she married the love of her life, James Robert "Bob" Toler, who predeceased her on September 8, 2007. Pattie married again in 2011, but un fortunately was also predeceased by her second husband, Robert M. Arnold, who passed away February 27, 2013. Her time with Bob Arnold was short, but the couple had a peaceful and happy life during their time together in Palm Springs, California, and in Seattle, Washington. In addition to her siblings, Pattie is also survived by her four stepchildren: Trent Toler, Frances Toler, Marie Toler Raney, and Jim Toler. Her presence is there will never be forgotten. Margaret Gauntlett, Pattie's younger sister, provided treasure. Her wisdom and beauty inspired, encouraged, and strengthened those of us who were fortunate enough to know her. I will never forget her laugh, her charm, and her depth of spirit. She was a good, decent, loving person. I will love and miss her forever." A celebration of Pattie's life was/will be held at Pete's Pub, in Little Harbour, on February 2, 2014. Funeral service for Douglas McDon ald 80 yrs., a resident of Murphy Town, Aba co, was held at Zion Bap tist Church, Murphy Town, Abaco, on Saturday 25th was Rev. Christopher Dean, assisted by the Gospel. Interment followed in Murphy Town Public Cemetery, Abaco. Left to cherish his memories are his Wife: Leotha McDonald; Children: Glen, gie McIntosh, Ramona Bethel, Lorrain Great Grand Children: Younnique, Ja mal, Trinity, Rhianna, Aniska, Brittany, Magenta and Paris, Kjuan McDonald, Destiny, Diamond and Terrance Jr. Rog ers, Raznae, Razheme, and Rakasha Mc Intosh, Senario, Tierra, Shamari and Tan zani Bethel, Deondra, Deon Jr., Dashaun, merous Relatives and Friends. Fu neral Service for the late Jordash Rashawn Kemp age 3 of Crown Ha ven, Abaco was held on Saturday Jan uary 25, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Annes Anglican Church Abaco Ba Bowe assisted by Catechist Theophilus Rolle and Other Members of the Clergy. Interment followed in The Public Cem etery, Crown Haven, Abaco. Precious memories will forever live in the heart(s) of his loving and devoted : Mother: Shavandi Russell; Father: Christopher Kemp; Brother: Julius Fife ; Grand Parents: Deloris Love McIntosh and Ralph Browny Russell ; Aunts: Flo rina Russell, Rapunzel Pinder, Bridgette Bowleg, Shanasco Mara Campbell, Shamyell Lisa, Shaquinta Rainy and Mariska Russell, Raquel Clement, Ken dra Kemp-Gibbs, Almetta Curry, Cindy Huyler, Hilary, Stephanna, Dashna, Tina, Lovita and Milinda Kemp ; Uncles: Mar cus Pinder, Teron Bowleg, Hue Campbell, Clyde Russell, Justin, Michael, Kinsley and Michael Kemp. Also by a host of fam ily and friends too numerous to mention. Remembering Family and Friends

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Page 6 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Beautiful Wall Maps of the Bahamas, Caribbean, Coastal Florida & More!www.IslandMapStore.comPhone: 239-963-3497Island Map Store Sports By Timothy Roberts The Abaco Youth Football Associa on January 25 with Marsh Harbour Wild hawgs visiting the Man-O-War Makos. Both the senior and junior teams com peted and there was even a fun game be tween the seniors and the coaches at the end. In the junior division after an evenly gether an impressive second half, which included several interceptions, winning with a score of 37 to 6. In the senior division the Makos took and staved off the Wildhawgs attempts to catch up later in the game with the help of a couple of interceptions that brought the game to a 46 to 25 conclusion. The Makos and Wildhawgs will trav el to Green Turtle Cay on Saturday, Febru ary 8 as the season continues. Youth Flag Football season resumes Press Release Round 3 of the RC Laser Tour of Abaco took place in Treasure Cay for a beautiful, sunny, and warm day of RC sail ing. Light winds were the forecast and out of the northeast. Racers competed in 7 races, with a dying wind and an outgoing tide. Dwayne Wallas won race #1, but Jim Kaighn took over winning the next 6 in a row. David Mulock showed moments of brilliance with a 2nd in race 2 which broke the tie for 3rd over Anders Ljungholm. Thanks went to the Ljungholms for hosting the group and providing the Swed ish desserts and also to Lenore Mulock who is back on the job. The group is heading to Little Har bour for February 8. They invite you to join them for lunch at Petes Pub and a 2pm start. RC sailing heads to Treasure Cay for round three Above: the Makos and Wildhawgs battle it out in Man-O-War.

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 7

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Page 8 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 9 Burns House

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Page 10 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Min. Halkitis speaks to Abaco on VAT Tax By Timothy Roberts ister of State for Finance, Michael Halki tis spoke to a room of about 150 persons 2014 and answered questions from the au dience. He said that events like this involve everyone and awakens the citizenship in participating, acquiring more information and having input in what he called a truly consultative process. We need to have this discussion be cause at the end of the day we need to have the buy-in of the majority of the Bahamian people, he said. There is no use the gov ernment trying to impose something that the people will reject or be hostile to. totality of reform. He said the government in February of 2013 published a medium We cant do it by just taxation; cant do it by just seeking economic growth; and we cant do it cutting government expen diture. We can try very hard to improve revenue administration but that will not do the whole job that needs to be done. We need a combination of those four things. He said that its no use bringing new taxation when citizens can see continued wasteful spending from the government. He said that the government has done a poor job in the collection of revenues owed, noting that they were in the process of reconciling records in real property tax in the hopes of correcting this issue. Mr. Halkitis showed a number of slides detailing how over the past twenty years the government has spent more than it has earned in revenues leading to a cur rent debt of just over $5 billion. If we continue on that path it only gets worse. We have to do a better job of not spending more than we make. That is reality, he said. He said that if the debt is allowed to get too high there is less capacity to bor row for capital projects as well as in cases of emergency such as dealing with hur ricane damages. He acknowledged that the rise in debt to GDP ratio will also lead to a credit downgrade, which will affect the countrys ability to have access to credit. Mr. Halkitis spoke of the burden of tions noting that presently the government pays $75 million in pensions. The govern ment is seeking ways they can reduce this because in about ten years it will be $240 million and in twenty years will go over $300 million. We are working now to avoid a bigger problem down the road. He said We have to expand our rev enue base because currently most of the money the country makes comes from cus toms duties and excise taxes. The government wants to implement Excise Taxes and improve revenue perfor mance from existing taxes including cus toms duties and excise taxes. We are investing a lot of money into Customs to modernize it with new technol ogies so you can clear your customs entries online. We want to look at modernizing the whole business license regime and real property tax, he said. Mr. Halkitis said the government has an implementation date of July 1, 2014 but we have to make sure everyone is ready; were pushing hard towards that target. He said that if adjustments are neces sary for smooth implementation they are prepared to look at that. He said it will be administered by the Central Revenue Agency which comes un der the Ministry of Finance and the Ho tel Occupancy Tax which is currently ten percent will be replaced with a ten percent ancing of customs duties and excise taxes Mr. Halkitis said they have con ducted studies on a lower rate, such as ten percent, as well as having feedback from the public on their desire for a lower rate which is something they are looking at. He explained that with the rebalanc ing of customs duties and excise taxes with gain of just over $220 million in revenue kitis said it is a multi-stage consumption tax that acts largely like a sales tax. It is not a regressive tax like income tax. He said the government would be exempting cal and educational services to minimize the impact. He gave several examples of how collected at the various stages of the supply chain. He said because the cost of custom duties will go down the government does not think the cost of goods should go up too much. istered businesses versus non-registered businesses. He said that the non-registered would not be able to receive any refund for He said that any business making un der $100,000 per year would be exempt there are about 4000 businesses making over $100,000 per year and these represent 98 percent of turnover in the economy. ported, like customs duties, and will be re funded when the items are sold. Whatever Businesses will be required to keep records of all sales and will need to dis low customers to know that the business is and improve revenue generation. We be lieve because registered businesses would be eager to get a refund they would keep accurate records. He said the government is now work as well as items that will be exempt. What About VAT? R UM R UNNERSBAR & GRILL Beer Specials(Plus 15% Gratuity) (Plus 15% Gratuity)Local Entertainment on Saturdays NEW SCHEDULE! After Feb 2WEDNESDAY to Saturday 3pm Until And Join us Feb 2 for our Super Bowl Party BB BB ken We make going out fun! Located next to Insurance Management

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February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 11 problem honoring my mother and father but our elected representatives are in a po sition to make serious decisions on our be half and I think we as a people deserve the respect of being talked to, and explained things to, and asked things as opposed to told things. I believe everyone in this room is mature enough, educated enough and sav vy enough to understand what is going on and to understand the solutions and alterna tives and understand our economy if its presented in the right way. We are the people and you do work for us and you want to do something on our behalf we put you there to do some thing on our behalf but please, ask us, explain to us and get our permission to go forward. Another concern for those who of unpaid invoices. The Coalitions feels that voices. So the business has to not only pay their supplier for the goods sold as well as all other monthly expenses, but he also has As it is understood the business pays whether the customer has actually paid it or not. There is a provision that if the busi ness is never paid that they can go back to the government and seek an adjustment when they are forced to write off bad debt, but in-between that time he is carry the weight of all those costs until he collects. The alternative is cash on delivery (COD) which will in the end hurt many businesses and slow down the economy. Many businesses rely on the facilitation of What About VAT? Coalition for Responsible Taxation presents alternatives to VAT By Timothy Roberts The Bahamas Chamber of Com merce Employers Confederation (BCCEC) through their Coalition for Responsible Taxation made a presentation on alterna on January 18. Speaking to an audience of over 150 concerned citizens, Dennis Lightbourn, President of the Abaco Chamber of Com merce and member of the Coalition, pre there Alternatives? He explained that the Coalitions pur pose is to understand and examine what implications proposed tax legislation will have on the macroeconomic climate of The Bahamas. He added that they seek to identify our industry has and how to best address these concerns within the private sector or through Government dialog and to encour age proactive, cooperative, collaborative and actionable dialog between Government and Private Sector. He said the Coalition will then seek to advise the Private Sector and the Govern ment on means to implement, train, fund, educate and market responsible tax laws and regulations. look at is the July 1st, 2014 Implementa tion Date and there are many who feel the date needs to be delayed to ensure admin istrative readiness. Mr. Lightbourn said the next they crease the cost of goods and services across realize and certainly the coalition believes that prices will go up. He added that many persons believe it is a business tax and they dont need to be concerned with it but in the end the cost is borne by you, the customer. Another concern he said the Coali tion had is compliance and the collection said we all know this is a problem in The Bahamas. He said he does not envy the gov ernments position in having to make a decision that will most likely have an ad verse effect on those least able to handle the increase in cost of living. Improper other system of taxation may push these people over the edge. He said the Coalitions other concern is that we are going to end up with a cashbased informal economy developing which will be counter-productive what the gov ernment is trying to achieve. Why report People will try not to be compliant. Another concern is that a monthly re turn schedule may be too onerous. Our feeling is that monthly is going to be dif quarterly would be a better schedule. We are past the point of being told things. My mother and father used to tell me things and thats okay I dont have a credit. Existing inventory is a major concern especially for those who have millions of dollars in inventory. Businesses will have to run their inventory down or being faced with the challenge of becoming uncompeti product they have already paid the full cus toms duty rate on. He said the Coalition is concerned ate burden to Family Island businesses and consumers. Mr. Lightbourn noted that he thinks the government has taken this into local freight service, and he thanked them for this concession. He said that private sector training and awareness is something we all need to be a part of as individuals and as busi nesses; we need to know what is going on and we need to plan and prepare. He said he is aware that the govern ment has contracted a software company that will set up the program that the gov ernment will use to manage and adminis concerned because they will need to have software and systems that will work with the governments system. Getting more money in revenue is one thing but if they continue to spend more than they collect it really doesnt matter what you make, he said. There needs to be austerity and budget cap mea sures taken by the government in conjunc tion with any new tax regime. He said its necessary to meet with the government, and that the Coalition has Please see VAT Page 13

February 1, 2014 The Abaconian Section B Page 13 $299 $299 L AD IESMENLOSE 20lb s IN 5 WEEKSW eight in a Healthy W ay NO HUNGER Quick Star t Deto xifica tion W eight L oss Program IN CL UD ES Diet Guide F ood J ournal Nutritional Supp lements Doc tors I nstr uc tion W eekly Body C omposition Evalua tion Fitness C enter Membership FITNESS CENTER NOW OPENr Program Starts T ue. Feb. 11Bring a Friend Get an $80 Gift Free! engaged them in meaningful dialogue at both the technocrat level as well as at the ministerial level. He said the government has said they are open to hearing alterna tives and what would be the best way to do this. Members of the Coalition, while hav ing various opinions, have come to a con sensus on some common concerns some of The Coalition agreed that reforms are needed across the board starting with Financial Reporting Systems. Government based on timely accurate information and present that data in a way that we can all understand. He said another suggestion is to intro duce budget caps. The government should establish, agree and approve limits to bud get spending and then manage to them and should only be increased by Parliament acting on advice from Cabinet. Part of the frustration we have in the private sector is the lack of meaningful information that we can work with, under stand and analyze so we can make sugges tions and give meaningful input. I think the time has come that we need to enact a Freedom of Information Act. This is the publics information and data and it should be in the open. Mr. Lightbourn said that he is hear ing ridiculously low numbers that we collect only 25 to 30 percent of the rev enue that is due to us. He said that if these numbers are even close to accurate something must be done. If we are run ning the country on only 30 cents on the What About VAT? dollar imagine if we collected most or all of our taxes. When we have a budget we must manage to it and it must be auditable and reconcilable. We need to get beyond man ual systems and enable people to pay their bills directly and improve revenue collec tion. Mr. Lightbourn outlined that there needs to be a top-down responsibility for budget management with established bud get caps in order to reduce spending within a prescribed timeline. Additionally the government should develop comprehensive plans to include upfront costs and annual maintenance costs and ensure that the bidding and awarding of contracts is transparent and contractors are held accountable. He suggested that Dynamic Econom ic Modeling be established to assist in ana lyzing our economy. There also needs to be determined ways to measure and improve government productivity and accountability, holding civil servants to the same standards as the private sector. He added that the creation of an of dent monitoring and a Whistleblower Act is needful. The Coalition he said has engaged the government in high level discussions concerning these alternatives; starting with Collect what is due! The Coalition also suggested a payroll paid by employers which was well received by the business community. With estimates of about $3.5 billion paid annually in pay roll it could potentially net the government $175 million (just $25 million shy of their the payroll tax is simple and could simply Other suggestions included taxing ness license fees at a rate of about ten to twenty percent. He listed other ideas such as a capital gains on foreign real estate, lower lending rates, raising cruise passenger taxes, add fees, increase existing tax rates, and taxing the numbers business or creating a national Lottery He concluded by saying that the Co alition is seeking to Advise the Private Sector and the Government on means to implement, train, fund, educate and mar ket responsible tax laws and regulations. VAT From Page 11

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Page 14 Section B The Abaconian February 1, 2014 Looking back on 2013 Part 1 By Jennifer Hudson January Years Day celebrations on Green Turtle Cay as friends and visitors gathered for the traditional Junkanoo Parade. It was then down to business with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Works and Ur ban Development, the Honourable Philip Davies, signing a $1.3 million contract be tween the Bahamas Government and Bill Simmons Construction and Heavy Equip ment Co Ltd to repair roads in Central Abaco. A historic 120 mile run was under taken by Rhonda Claridge who ran from Crown Haven to Sandy Point to raise reef awareness. February Road repairs began during the second week of February to repair potholes and resurface portions of the road in Dundas and Murphy Town and Marsh Harbour. The Food and Agriculture Organisa Training Project for The Bahamas was begun. Following classroom training, 15 participants went into Abacos pine forest on-site training to recognize and categorize healthy and suitable trees for future lumber crop March Forest Heights Academy received the ly school joining the Deep Creek Middle Bahamas. Tanisha Charlton of S.C. Bootle High dates as the Ministry of Tourisms Junior Minister for Abaco. The 2013 Great Abaco Family Fit ness weekend held in Treasure Cay was a great success and in the second year man aged to more than double the participation from the inaugural year. April Abaconians excelled at the CARI FTA games. Three swimmers and one re lay runner were among the medal winning Bahamian team. The people of Man O War Cay cel ebrated their third biennial Sojer Day on April 13 honouring the cays heritage and boatbuilding legacy. The Abaco judo team won the Baha 12 divisions, Abaco won ten. May The ninth annual Island Roots Heri tage Festival in Green Turtle Cay overcame challenging weather conditions including a water spout turned tornado to host yet another successful event. The Royal Ba hamas Defence Force Marching Band was the highlight of the occasion. The Deputy Prime Minister and Min ister of Works, Philip Brave Davies, signed several capital works contracts for projects to be done at Marsh Harbour International Airport as well as a preschool to be built in Fox Town. The contract was also awarded to complete repairs at the Marsh Harbour container port building international ware house. local water company, Island Delight. June Bahamas Independence Ceremony in 1973 was raised in several locations across Ab aco in the lead up to the celebration of 40 years of independence. Swimmers from Abaco, comprising als bringing back many medals. Swimmers from around the country competed at all levels and many national records were broken. The majority of swimmers from Abaco were from the Abaco Swim Club but two other Abaco Clubs also competed. July Man O War Cay School earned the prestigious International Green Flag dents with this award on behalf of the Bahamas Reef environment Educational Foundation. The Minister of Environment and Housing, the Honourable Kenred Dorset, visited various areas of pine forest on Aba co. His inspection of the established forest in the north of the island was followed by Trust logging pilot project in Spring City. coordinators with the lumber which is be ing produced from Abaco pine. To Be Concluded RENTAL HOUSES AND APARTMENTS RENTAL HOUSES AND APARTMENTS PROPERTY & HOUSES FOR SALE Minimum for 3 lines of info $10 per issue Picture and 4 lines $25 B&W Additional lines at $2 per line Colored Photo additional $20 Spot Color highlight on word ing, additional $10 Call 242-367-3200 Fax 2423673677 Email: abaconian news@gmail.com Houses and Land For Rent and For Sale Blackwood, 4 bed, 3 bath house, fully fur ity included. $3,000 m. For further informa tion call 475-3394 Murphy Town, Triples (Fully Rented). Last appraisal at $240,000, will sell for $190,000, fused. Good starter investment. Call 456-1292 Treasure Cay Canal front property with 111 RE DUCED to $279,000. Call 305-245-6043 or hquin1902@gmail.com PROPERTY & HOUSES FOR SALE Casuarina Point, tastefully furnished 3 bed 2 bath house, central air, beach views, 15 mins from Marsh Harb. $1,000/mon. Ph. 225-3211 Dundas Town, Central Pines Estate, Curley Tail Road. Two Apts for rent. 2 bed, 2 bath, ready for occupancy. Call 357-3909, 565-1041 or 458-3485 Marsh Harbour, Sky Developers 2 bed/1 bath, furnished, with A/C, washer and drier, water included, $1100/mo. Call Mrs. Green at 367-2660 Marsh Harbour, luxury penthouse for rent, 3 bed, 3.5 bath, pool, beach, dock, at The Crossing Condos. Call 577-0277 or email: neil@hgchristie.com Casuarina, For sale by owner, Lot # 100, across the street from the canal, 75x160. Asking $45,000. Call 367-3472. Serious inqui ries only! Hope Town, Bay-Side Lot. Private and quiet. $395,000. jandkoakes@hotmail.com Marsh Harbour, Government Sub, For sale by owner Duplex located in. Large corner lot of land. Can easily be converted into 4 242-342-5066/357-0386 Marsh Harbour, Sweetings Tract, proper ty. Lot no. 49. 8,806 sq. ft. Full title. Ask tout114@yahoo.com When you place a classied ad in The Abaconian it will also be placed on our website for FREE, for the same time period. SAME PRICE, MORE COVERAGE!! Contact Us For More Information 367-3200 or email: abaconiannews@gmail.com www.theabaconian.com ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!! ATTENTION!! **STARTING JAN 1, 2014** The Abaconians web-site will have a new classied section.